Let us not forget that E-Commerce is not just for large multinational corporations, but also for small and medium size businesses. There is a danger of creating divides within each country and among countries. Private-public sector partnerships are needed at the national, regional and international levels. A critical partnership between government and business is emerging as we struggle with ways to frame and define policies related to the networked economy and e-commerce. And everyone agrees is that electronic commerce is truly global.
Electronic commerce knows no geographic boundaries, and it challenges old regulatory paradigms.
It is through the GIIC that we can gather so many representatives and experts to exchange good ideas and work together to meet the challenges of the networked economy. Concerted action by business and government from both developed and developing countries is needed to expand telecommunications services, to apply the tools of information technology in education, and to develop electronic commerce applications that improve business efficiencies and expand trade. Let me conclude by saying that I am pleased to see so many important representatives from the private and public sectors coming together today to exchange ideas on how to facilitate e-commerce and to maximize benefits of the networked economy. It is important for business to demonstrate leadership in this area through the GIIC and by such conferences where we can learn from each other. The GIIC is the only truly global organization addressing issues facing societies, nations and individuals operating within the global networked economy.