BT Global Services announced yesterday it will continue its expansion in the region, with plans to add another 400 people across Asia, the Middle East and Africa – a new regional grouping the company initiated just a few months ago.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, where the company launched its eighth technology showcase center, Kevin Taylor, president of BT Asia, the Middle East and Africa, said the three regions are united by macro-economic trends. These include strong economic growth, an expanding middle class and a growing population that is still dominantly young.
Bilateral trade within the region is expanding 30% per year, and China is investing in 49 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Taylor noted the integrated market will account for 75% of world’s population by 2030.
While not specifying a figure for the region, Taylor said BT was investing $600 million annually on expanding its global services reach.
The new three-year plan, referred to internally as “Prosperity Plus”, is a follow-up on its previous “Prosperity” plan, which saw a major expansion of staff and capabilities in the region. The company has added more than 1,800 positions over the past three years, with 600 already hired for its global development center in Bangalore and 600 to be added to its facility in Kuala Lumpur.
The new round of hiring, which will boost headcount by 15% from the current base of about 3,000 in the combined region, will be focused on Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, China, Turkey, the UAE and South Africa.
The hires will include 50 industry experts focused on sectors such as consumer product goods, financial services, health and logistics. Another 60 will be added to its professional services group in 11 markets.