Govt-EDS Expansion To Reap $200 Million Reward

Government Backing For EDS Expansion To Reap $200 Million Reward

New Zealand’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector is set to get a $200 million foreign exchange earnings boost over the next eight years and the creation of 360 new high skilled jobs over the next three years.

Don Christiansen, Chief Executive of the national investment promotion agency, Investment New Zealand said that global digital solutions giant EDS’ decision to expand its state-of-the-art client contact centre operations in Auckland and expand its applications development operations in both Auckland and Wellington was being supported by an Investment New Zealand grant that would yield real returns for the economy.

The grant carries performance undertakings by EDS which require repayment to Investment New Zealand if the agreed employment milestones aren’t met.

Investment New Zealand has been working with EDS New Zealand to build a business case to attract a portion of the multinational’s global business to New Zealand. It has received support including a cash grant of $1.5million from Investment New Zealand’s Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) to add to the significant investment EDS will make to set up a new facility.

“Not only will this investment enhance the capability of New Zealand to take on more international projects but another exciting feature of the initiative is a commitment by EDS to leverage its global position to attract further investments in New Zealand’s ICT sector,” said Mr Christiansen.

EDS will also establish a Global Partners Solutions Programme to help local software companies penetrate global markets, said Mr Christiansen.

The expansion of its facilities allows EDS New Zealand to receive the internationally coveted ‘Best Shore’ status from its parent company in the United States.

“This will enable EDS (NZ) to attract significant foreign exchange earnings from new and existing international clients, as well as EDS businesses worldwide,” said Paul Gestro, ICT Investment Manager at Investment New Zealand.

“The long-term benefits for New Zealand include an increase in our global investment profile and the creation of much desired new ICT jobs.

“Intelligent client contact centres, unlike call centres, are at the high end of ICT operations, requiring skilled staff that can offer effective solutions to global clients,” he said.

EDS expects the contact centre to be established in new Auckland premises by the middle of this year.

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