1 November 2000 Media Release
Swain opens E-commerce Summit
Minister for Information Technology Paul Swain has welcomed more than 500 businesses to the government's e-commerce
summit in Auckland, and challenged them to think about the future.
Paul Swain says the key to e-commerce success in New Zealand's future is a proactive government in partnership with the
private sector.
When I think of New Zealand in the future I think of a vibrant, exciting, proud country where attitude, enterprise and
innovation are celebrated and where our young people want to work and live. A New Zealand that other countries look to
as an example of how to get things done. E-commerce is fundamental to that.
"This summit is about government's commitment to advancing e-commerce in New Zealand. Proof of that commitment will be
evident in the government's e-commerce strategy that I am launching here later today.
"We will be seeking feedback on that plan from business – we need that feedback to ensure we get the plan right for
them.
"In the next two days summit attendees will hear first hand stories from businesses who got involved in e-commerce early
on and how it has worked for them as well as from international experts on e-commerce.
"This summit is about getting moving and getting things done. We want participants to take part, to get excited and to
go away inspired. E-commerce is fundamental to New Zealand's future. This summit is an important step along the way,"
Paul Swain said.
Contact:
kerry.lamont@parliament.govt.nz
Summit site: www.ecommerce-summit.govt.nz