The call centre industry is taking hold in Pakistan, with outsourcing business in the country passing US$10 million, and tipped to pass US$20 million by the end of the year.
Industry officials say the call centres have posted 100% growth in the last six months and more than 20 facilities are operating, mostly in Lahore and Islamabad. “Exact figures are not available as such,” said Farrukh Aslam, president Call Centres Association of Pakistan (CCAoP). “But it is definite that we have crossed the $10 million figure during first half of current fiscal and the number could be double by June 2005.”
However, the Pakistan industry is hampered by a lack of skilled manpower. “We can do much better,” said Nasir Lone, country manager The Resource Group - a US-based private investment firm with a focus on the business of call centres and outsourcing. “We have two centres each in Lahore and Karachi. We are expanding our operations but not getting the required flow of skilled people we need.”
Industry officials say the call centres have posted 100% growth in the last six months and more than 20 facilities are operating, mostly in Lahore and Islamabad. “Exact figures are not available as such,” said Farrukh Aslam, president Call Centres Association of Pakistan (CCAoP). “But it is definite that we have crossed the $10 million figure during first half of current fiscal and the number could be double by June 2005.”
However, the Pakistan industry is hampered by a lack of skilled manpower. “We can do much better,” said Nasir Lone, country manager The Resource Group - a US-based private investment firm with a focus on the business of call centres and outsourcing. “We have two centres each in Lahore and Karachi. We are expanding our operations but not getting the required flow of skilled people we need.”