China sets its sight on becoming a global BPO player, interview

As the 3rd China International BPO opened its annual session on Oct. 26 in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, governmental officials and entrepreneurs from both home and abroad exchange views and share latest achievement on the theme of China's business process outsourcing.

At the two-day conference, Mark A. Boyle, Vice-President of Accenture's Greater China Region accepted an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online, during which he talks freely about the trends of global BPO development and the status quo of BPO development in China.

Reporter: You have been taking charge of Accenture's outsourcing business in Greater China since March this year, could you elaborate on the positive significance of BPO development here in China? And why is it so important?

Mark A. Boyle: As of the Chinese economy, I think the Chinese government is correct in pursuing BPO as an important initiative in terms of growing capability and establishing global market presence, and I personal appreciate that right approach.

Globally speaking, the market by 2010 is going to be around 290 billion US dollars and that number is certain to grow further. Under that circumstance what will allow China to position in the market is to deliver the services and grow GDP significantly ¨C bringing professionals and business opportunities into China, especially those multinational companies that want to do businesses with China.

Reporter: What will exactly happen and how will it contribute to the country's economic growth this time?

Mark A. Boyle: It will be easy to find that in the next two to three years, the revenue from BPO will probably increase by several hundred million and that will help position China as an emerging BPO player, which will attract greater attention from multinational companies.

Reporter: What was it like before and what is new this time?

Mark A. Boyle: Previously, the conference was very immature I think. But now the government has understood what needs to be done in the past years to help BPO industry. And I appreciate the positive role Chinese government played very much.

Reporter: Would you like to share your personal opinions on the market status quo of China's BPO development?

Mark A. Boyle: The BPO status quo in China so far still needs improving, but it is learning very quickly. The support and policies from government and conference like this will help the industry. I certainly hold that the industry in China is beginning to be favorably considered by companies from Japan, South Korea, the U.S. as well as the EU countries.

Reporter: What specific steps must China take to achieve BPO development?

Mark A. Boyle: China should continuously push with the protection of intellectual property right. The good thing is that Chinese government now has programme in place, and carries it out progressively.

Furthermore, people engaging in BPO industries need to improve the English language stills.

It is also crucial for the government to encourage cities like Xi'an, Dalian, Chengdu to become the heart of China's BPO industry.