Closing speech by B. Byskov for the presentation of the Gourmet Coffee Project at the informal JAG,
Wednesday 12 April 2000.
With the successful conclusion of the world’s first Internet auction for a basic commodity, I strongly feel that ITC’s stakeholders can be proud to have played an active part in such a development. We have opened up for something very BIG that will have immense consequences for the future trade of basic commodities
very successful. 700 companies have today registered, half of which are producers and the other half importers – and all the big players on the market are present. ITC works in collaboration with private partner companies, which have set up the portals. Information on the two portals in the USA and UK can be found in this room. The collaboration with private partners has shown to be beneficial for all parties concerned.Internet also opens up other new avenues for ITC’s work on product and market development. ITC’s new web-site will include sub-sites for specific products of particular relevance for developing countries. Those sub-sites will give the opportunity to bring new and updated information about ITC and have links to other relevant sites on the Internet. An active dialogue can be established.
ITC launched last year a new matchmaking concept on the Internet for fresh fruit and vegetables. Suppliers can now promote their products instantly to buyers world-wide. They enter data on their company and products. With weekly details of varieties, quantities and packaging. Importers and buyers can then search the database by product, company or country. This has been
Given the rapid development of the Internet, we are considering to set up an ITC portal with numerous product groups. All developing countries should be able to link their web-sites to such a new ITC portal. This will be a way for all companies in developing countries to find a linkage to a portal from which all Internet users can trace information. It could be a major driving force for the developing countries. The potential avenues are numerous.
With those words I shall conclude my presentation.
