O'Brien: UK is the best for e-commerce

Monday, 21 February 2005 12:00 AM

The UK is the best country in the developed world to do virtual business, according to Trade and Industry Minister Mike O'Brien.

The e-commerce minister made the bold claim as he opened the fourth Asia-Europe meeting on e-commerce in London's Docklands on Monday morning.

He cited a new report from Ovum that placed the UK top of the G7 index of access and availability - ahead of Canada, Japan and the US. On the second measure of competitiveness, based on consumer choice, price and regulatory framework, the UK was third behind Japan and Canada.

Mr O'Brien said the latest broadband indicator figures showed that 96 per cent of households now had access to broadband. Accessibility figures are important for the Government as they believe that broadband is the "underpinning infrastructure" for modern business communication.

Mr O'Brien said: "We said we wanted the UK to be the best place in the world for e-business and, with broadband now available to 96 per cent of households and more than six million people already subscribing, this is fast becoming a reality.

"Hosting this ASEM conference for the first time here in London is another sign that the UK is determined to lead the way and to realise the potential of e-commerce for the global community."

He said that whilst e-commerce presents a major opportunity for business, more work needed to be done on establishing international standards.

This sentiment was echoed by the Prime Minister in a letter of welcome to delegates. Tony Blair wrote that "co-operation between the 38 governments, the European Commission and the business communities in our two regions will help to lay the groundwork for the development of a truly global information economy underpinning economic growth and enhancing the social well-being of all our citizens."

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