Firstsource has opened an office in Northern Ireland.
Peter Hain MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has opened the Londonderry office of the Indian business process outsourcing (BPO) firm.
Firstsource is planning to create more than 1,000 jobs in the Belfast and Derry regions.
Hain commented: “Today marks another major step in Firstsource's plan to progress its commitment to Northern Ireland and specifically to the North West region.
“By 2008, more than 500 people will be employed by Firstsource in Derry and more than 400 in Belfast, making Firstsource a major employer and a valuable contributor to the local economy. This is a tremendous endorsement of the skills base which the region has to offer and in particular, it highlights the ongoing development and regeneration of the North West.
“By locating in Derry and Belfast, Firstsource has not only provided a major boost to the local economy, it has reinforced the entire Northern Ireland proposition on a global scale, positioning the region for further investment opportunities, particularly from a sector with high growth potential.”
Ananda Mukerji, chief executive and managing director of Firstsource, added: “The level and availability of skills in Northern Ireland, combined with support from Invest NI, has already helped us to drive our global growth plans forward. I am confident that this new facility in the heart of Derry will strengthen our position as a global BPO leader.”
