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A Cayman-based ICT call centre business is looking to create 3000 fulltime jobs in Fiji after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau today.
The FTIB said Mindpearl Ltd specializes in the airline industry and provides full contact centre facilities and services to a consortium of 11 airlines, flying globally to over 400 destinations across all time zones.
Delta and American Airlines are amongst its clientele.
According to the FTIB, the new venture will be based at the Kalabu Tax Free Zone in Nasinu, outside Suva and commence from September this year.
It expects to gradually increase its staff over two and a half years, eventually employing 3000.
FTIB Chairman Francis Narayan said “this is the biggest ICT venture Fiji will see. The company told us it will be hiring mostly those that have just finished high school and they will be paid between $12,000 and $15,000”.
“Also the level of investment that will be generated from Mindpearl’s operations will generate considerable foreign exchange earnings for Fiji in addition to many other benefits that are anticipated to materialize in the long term with the increase in living standards for many families coupled with enhanced purchasing power.”
According to Narayan, Mindpearl had considered Fiji because of the accent of the people, “which was neutral”, and the country’s access to the Southern Cross cable made it an ideal location to set up investments.
“Mindpearl has also been offered a good tax deal with a 13-year-tax holiday as promised in the national budget and some tailor made deals which required the help of the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA).”
