THE impetuous development of the means of communication has revolutionized the business world and made it clear that an incipient method of exchange is no longer a futuristic dream.
Electronic trade is now a reality.
Selling on a steadily more globalized market where supplier capacity, competitiveness and consumer expectations are all increasing is a challenge that has demonstrated its potential with online exchanges. However, the infrastructure of the communications, banking networks and transportation companies in the developing countries often cannot support the complex chain of online transactions, and high telephone costs hinder entry into the new Internet-based economy. It will be difficult for the rest to get on board this unstoppable train. Talking to Granma International , Fern ndez said that in his view the basic obstacle to e-trade is the directors' and entrepreneurs' lack of knowledge and awareness of its commercial aspects, although there are also difficulties related to the necessary infrastructure for bills and payments of specialized services, and related to the regulatory measures, bearing in mind that Cuba's commercial code dates back to the 19th century. In 1996, the Artex company created a virtual store for the sale of Cuban music CDs, but that undertaking was hindered by inadequate telephone lines and customs regulations.