© International Trade Centre, International Trade Forum
- Issue 3/2000
Old business in new ways, but also new business opportunities:
this is what e-trade is all about.
The global marketplace in many ways is a virtual one, but it is
driven by the same business realities as traditional exchanges in
local market squares. At the same time, new technologies bring us
new opportunities to trade goods and services in far-away places.
The technologies also open up completely new product and service
niches for developing countries.
Demystifying e-commerce, so that businesses and governments can
take advantage of it, is essential. Internet is new to many; some
people are still uncomfortable with the technology; and the best
ways to take advantage of it are still emerging. Basic business
needs, however, remain the same. Looking for business information?
Closing a deal? Following up on a sale? Delivering a service?
Simply communicating with new clients or business partners? One can
use the Internet to do all of these things more effectively, at
lower cost, and with greater outreach than was possible before.
If there are real opportunities, false expectations also abound.
This magazine issue addresses both, with e-trade perspectives from
government, academia and business. The articles highlight
challenges, but go beyond to outline solutions that developing
countries can apply to their own needs.
Research and analysis provide facts that help to shatter myths.
In the Close Up section, we see how Australian government agencies
have worked with universities to understand and maximize the impact
of the Internet on small businesses looking to trade
internationally. ITC's recent experience in co-organizing the
world's first Internet coffee auction also provides "lessons
learned".
Exploiting export niches such as back office operations is a
fast-growing opportunity, which is presented in the Market Profile
section. The Close Up section also shows how a "can-do" attitude
adapted to a local setting can go a long way: see the interview
about RCP, a Peruvian Internet Service Provider (ISP) with a
difference, and the story of Tortasperu, a start-up microbusiness
that took advantage of RCP's network and training centres. A
general understanding of key issues such as e-finance trends
(outlined in the Exporting Better section) is another step towards
becoming e-competent.
ITC can help developing countries become competent in
e-commerce, and leverage it to boost trade. ITC's programmes and
services, outlined in the ITC Speaks section, are designed to raise
awareness, transfer knowledge and build e-competitiveness in an
increasingly digital world.