The tertiary sector

All the economic activities that support people working in the primary and secondary sectors are called tertiary activities, or tertiary sector activities.

The tertiary sector provides services that help both the other sectors, such as transport, banking and managing businesses. These are services we may not be able to see, but they are very important. A service leaves no object behind, which is why it is easy to overlook.

For example, a truck driver carries grains and vegetables from the farm to a factory or market. Fruit and vegetable sellers sell farm produce to households.

In the same way, doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers and pilots provide services to those who need them. Technicians repair mobile phones and televisions, mechanics repair cars and tractors, and electricians keep the power supply running. When the electrician fixes the lights at home or the plumber mends a leaking tap, that is the tertiary sector at your door. Their services make our lives easier.

So are communication services through mobile phones and the internet, software development, and services at hotels, restaurants, banks, schools, hospitals, airports, shops and warehouses (large buildings where products are stored before being sold, used or sent to shops).

This sector is also called the service sector. Look at who is in it: teachers, doctors, drivers, mechanics, shopkeepers. For most of us, it is the sector we meet every day.