According to eMarketer, a US research firm, the figure will be just half that at the end of 2000. Chile's economy is also well tailored for firms wanting to adopt e- business strategies. The countries fall into three echelons. The government intends to extend the programme to the general population via a network of Internet kiosks. All government agencies have been ordered to use the Internet as a channel for as much online business as possible, as well as to provide public information.
Some services are well ahead of the mandate.
By the end of June the government plans to submit to Congress priority legislation establishing a legal framework for electronic transactions by regulating digital signatures. Sponsored by the Ministry of Finance, it guarantees the identity of parties conducting transactions, as well as the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted documents and contracts exchanged online. Officials also aim to modify laws concerning intellectual property, taxation and consumer rights to encompass digital documentation and transactions. Improve funding to foster e-ventures. The government and business also expect to attract greater backing from internationally funded venture-capital firms.