itel’s CEO Specially Invited to Meet Inter-American Bank’s President

IDB aims to create an environment that can catalyze $5.3 trillion US in investment for the LACA Region.

Kingston, Jamaica: December 17, 2021. Earlier this month,  itel’s Founding Chairman & CEO, Yoni Epstein, met with the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mauricio Claver-Carone, during a special round table convened by Jamaica’s Promotions and Investment Agency, Jampro. The IDB’s aim is to create an environment that can catalyze $5.3 trillion US in investment for the region. Epstein was specially invited to represent the Nearshoring sector, which the IDB has identified in its Vision 2023 as a key opportunity for regional growth & integration.  

The IDB is the main source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Claver-Carone's visit to Jamaica was part of a regional tour to build brand awareness and mobilize financing. Under his administration, the IDB has formed the largest private sector coalition in the bank’s history, which includes the participation of major international brands like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Walmart.  

“The Caribbean is my priority,” Claver-Carone asserted during the session. “Being from Miami, the Caribbean is like home for me. I want to make sure we leave a mark and a legacy.” 

The IDB is already financing the Global Services Sector (GSS) Project, aimed at improving skills development and preparing the industry for more higher, value-added job creation. Epstein is the Chairman of the GSS Council, which is executed under the Jamaica Promotions Agency (Jampro). It is the first of its kind in the region. 

“This region is the region to watch,” stated Epstein. “Jamaica has led the charge from very early days in this industry. Even during the pandemic, we have stayed resilient, protected our people, and continued to grow.” Reinforcing Claver-Carone's message about the region and all that it has to offer, Epstein spoke to the sector’s strong public-private partnership, compared to other regions. Building the industry and changing the stigmas attached to it is a shared job between private and public sectors, including key partners, like the IDB.  

Epstein further highlighted how the industry offers clear career paths that can move people up and across the chain. Through initiatives like the GSS Project, which offers leadership training and development, the industry will continue to be strengthened and be seen as offering exciting opportunities for career potential that will help to eliminate ‘brain drain.’ No longer will bright young graduates feel the need to go overseas to build the career of their dreams.  

Epstein’s company, itel, was founded in Jamaica and is now the biggest homegrown customer experience provider in the region, with operations in 11 countries in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

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