The Intel Factor

  The 350-page Information Economy Report landed on our desks this afternoon, courtesy of UNCTAD. Packed with data, tables and text, this is the latest in a series of worthy tomes which urges the ICT industry - and governments - to do more for the developing world.

Buried in all the facts and figures, however, are some interesting case studies. Take Costa Rica, for example. In 1985, 60% of its exports were perishable products and 3% were electronic products. By 2005, the share of perishable goods had dropped to 24% and electronics had jumped to 30%. The main reason? Intel had decided to make the country one of its main production sites.

In 2005, the direct and indirect effects of Intel accounted for 25% of GDP of the entire manufacturing industry and Intel now accounts for 20% of total exports. It’s also doing good things for wages. A study by the International Labour Organisation last year found that Intel pays its workers an average monthly wage of US$836 while employees in the general manufacturing sector earn an average of $491. 

Good stuff, Intel.

Tags: costa rica, intel