dear all
as we are in a forum with both technology and asian interests i have the following query.
i have been talking to a company that wants to pursue a ASEAN-wide strategy to establish a network of website design / e-commerce businesses targeting MNC as well as large national exporters. the thinking is that such companies, but especially the large national ones would benefit by having a new channel to reach customers, by being able to continue to supply their US and EU clients whom most demand that an Internet channel is in place for the procurement from their suppliers.
with still most of the world's manufacturing concentrated in asia, it seems that it would make sense to help such manufacturers participate in the ever shortening of the supply chain management like the dell's of this world where the concept of 'negative inventory' has been mentioned.
after all the hype, the reality of ECommerce is that [according to a credit card company] E-Commerce in Asia for 1998 amounted to USD300M. really a drop in the global figure.
it is possible that in this realm of ECommerce, that Asia will be loosing to its bigger, more global, more focused and better managed 'western' brands. Singapore's senior minister LKY, alluded to this in his address to parliament yesterday that the 4 big local banks which where allowed to prosper under his decision to limit foreign players on the local scene, could be relegated to the role of marginal players within ten years time, even on their home turf, as the citibanks of this world, with a better grasp on technology, a better understanding of global financial products would be first in a position to cater to the increasing sophistication and demand of local consumers with global views.
what i am saying is that even though now Asia's E-Commerce revenues are a drop in the global bucket, in five years this drop could be reduced to a dropplet. there are views that Asia as missed the boat in the E-Commerce wave as it stands today and that has to awake to be able to participate in future waves.
of course The Internet is not the panacea to the need to reach new markets, and that many ASEAN countries have more pressing needs for their people that ensuring they are connected.
so to get back to the strategy to create an ASEAN e-commerce network, any thoughts as to the country priority selection and industries priorities?
sorry if i am long winded
yours aye
christopher |
