E-SME Development

The market ultimately drives e-commerce development, but

it is the private sector that fuels it. Government can provide incentives to encourage

widespread e-commerce use by SMEs. An “e-SME development program” in

which various sectors can provide technical assistance to SMEs to promote ecommerce

uptake, can also be developed. Banks, financial lending and training

institutions, and corporations should be encouraged to develop “SME desks” that

will address the specific needs of SMEs. In particular, steps should be taken to:

● provide incentives to individuals to become entrepreneurs by lowering borrowing

rates;

● provide incentives to SMEs that intend to use e-commerce in their business

operations;

● broaden credit extension facilities to SMEs in order for them to use ICT and ecommerce;

and

● offer discounts on business solution software packages and software licenses.

Moreover, big businesses and corporations should be encouraged to transfer technology

to SMEs by offering them free training in ICT and e-commerce.