The Arab world's share of global e-commerce was only $95 million - 0.09 percent - in 1999 against global B2B revenues of $171 billion. By 2003, the figure is expected to reach $1.3 trillion, according to the Gulf News on Wednesday.
Saeed Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi Works Department IT manager was quoted as saying that in the UAE comprehensive studies from the government or the private sector or both, are needed to assess the Internet's impact on its economy.
"E-commerce in the UAE, though progressing rapidly, is still in its early stages and there are no assessment and statistics available to evaluate its impact on economy.
"The UAE economy, if digital, will be highly competitive, increase productivity and income, and provide more jobs for UAE nationals," said Al Dhaheri. The global on-line retail business-to-consumer (B2C) sales were $3.5 billion last year, the paper reported - Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
