CREATING JOBS – DEVELOPING THE LOCAL ICT INDUSTRY The local ICT industry programs is designed ICT to create a well developed ICT services business opportunities. Additionally one sector and driving the adoption and usage of the major ICT industry growth of ICT in all dimensions of business initiatives operations to create competitive advantage establishment of Cyber-parks for the at the business and country levels. ICT will provision become the basis for new local business as attracting investors operating in a well as a means to increase the efficiency competitive environment. and competitiveness of established sectors. The Cyber-park initiative will train our Key aspects of the program include: youth for the industry and establish • The provision of ICT incentives which focuses on creating the environment that promotes and rewards the use of ICTs in business and the growth of the ICT industry. Various incentives will be created toward this end including effective removal of taxes and import duties on ICT products and related accessories, implementing the Access • providers participate will of ICT in focus local on related the jobs by facilities including factory shells and office buildings that are equipped with advanced ICT infrastructure. The focus of the Cyber-parks will be to increase the wealth of its community by promoting the culture of innovation and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge- based institutions. to ICT Capital initiative that develops The establishment of Cyberparks for the Public/Private partnerships to provide provision of ICT related jobs has become funding ICT one of the kinds of incentives used to industries, with private sector funding attract investors operating in a knife-edge as the preferred source for capital. competitive Nurturing the growth of a competitive developing countries. to jumpstart certain ICT sector through the implementation of the Competitive ICT Businesses initiative that will ensure that competitive local ICT companies have an opportunity to become key suppliers of GOB ICT needs and benefit from the knowledge transfer when international Belize ICT National Strategy environment in many It is recommended that GOB and its local and international partners seek investment to promote the availability of workspace for BPOs, including factory shells and office buildings, through the creation of Cyberparks. Private sector partners should also be encouraged to invest in developing 55