This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Minister tells Scottish Business to get on the e-commerce express
13/09/1999
First Minister, Donald Dewar today urged Scottish businesses to accelerate their use of internet communications technology before they get left behind in the global e-commerce expansion.
Mr Dewar also welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister that he was commissioning a Performance and Innovation Unit to look at barriers and opportunities for e-commerce and make the United Kingdom, by 2002, the best place in the world to trade electronically.
Speaking to Intelevent, a major international telecommunications conference in Edinburgh, Mr Dewar said:
"There is clearly a need for Scottish businesses to accelerate the adoption and use of ICT in order to compete in a global e-commerce environment. New business models and markets are emerging and Scotland is in danger of lagging behind. The e-commerce train has left the station and United States companies are already on it. A quick and effective response is essential if Scottish businesses are to join them in the first class cabin.
"That is why I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister of the setting up of a Performance and Innovation Unit to address this issue. We shall be considering carefully how the relevant recommendations will be implemented in Scotland.
"Of-course, through the Scottish Executive Knowledge Economy group we are already galvanising interest in e-commerce and Ministers will be working to focus attention on it in forthcoming engagements.
"We must also acknowledge the work already in hand by Scottish Enterprise which has recently embarked upon the development of a national strategy for e-commerce to direct current and future e-commerce activities.
"The process of developing a strategy specifically aims to build a common understanding across Scotland about what is required for e-commerce success.
"E-commerce is one of the most important issues facing the Scottish business community today. The Minister for Enteprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish has made the promotion of e-commerce in business one of his key priorities. I am pleased that the work being done by his department to achieve this aim has been recognised by the PIU report.
"This is an exciting time for Scottish Business as tomorrow sees the launch of The Scottish Internet Exchange another important step forward in Scottish telecoms infrastructure. Modern government for Scotland depends on effective use of digital technology. Requires vision and co-ordination across public sector, and partnership with the private and voluntary sectors. We as a government are determined to make sure that happens.
"The e-commerce express may be ready to leave the station but with the commitment of the public and private sector working in partnership, I am confident Scotland can be on-board with the best."
BACKGROUND
1. Intelevent 99 is an international conference focusing on the globalisation of telecoms and the global economy. The organiser, International Televent Inc, was founded in 1981 as a non profit-making body to bring together a cross section of the world leaders in telecoms and finance at an annual conference.
News Release: SE0580/99
13 September, 1999