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.
Basic business needs, however, remain the same.
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.