PROGRESS REPORT FOR PHASE 1 OF THE PROGRAM TO ASSIST THE IMPLEMENTATION

Australia

Background

At its 14^th meeting in October 1998, the TPT-WG agreed that, subject to final funding approval, actions be taken to implement Phase 1 of this program. The final funding approval for Phase 1 (US$ 67,000) was given in November 1998.

Phase 1 of this program is an electronic commerce education and awareness-raising project. EQUANT Application Services Pty Ltd conducted courses in eight APEC economies. The courses had the key message that electronic commerce should be considered as one possible solution for supply chain problems. This necessitates an awareness of current issues in electronic commerce. The project provides participants with the necessary background as well as sources (mainly in form of Internet addresses) which will enable them to keep informed of developments.

Current Situation

At the time of preparing this report the course has been delivered with great success in the Republic of the Philippines; Singapore; Peoples' Republic of China; Mexico; Hong Kong, China; Thailand and Indonesia. The course in Brunei Darussalam is expected to follow in April 2000. A final report will be delivered at TPT-WG 18 in Japan.

Phase 2 and 3

A number of economies have already inquired about details for the Phases 2 and 3 of the program and expressed their interest to participate.

Since the final report for Phase 1 did not become available before TPT-WG 17 Australia was not in a position to prepare a funding proposal for a follow up project. If the final report on Phase 1 delivers sufficient practical ideas Australia will submit a funding proposal for Phase 2 of the program to assist the implementation of electronic commerce for commercial messages at the 19^th meeting of the TPT-WG.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the above progress report be noted and all economies consider suggestions for follow up action and advise Australia.

This page was last updated on 16 March 2000