ECAT report a stocktake of e-commerce initiatives
The Information Technology Minister Paul Swain says the release of the final report of the Electronic Commerce Action
Team (ECAT) provides a valuable stocktake of progress by the private sector.
Mr Swain says "ECAT is a successful example of government and business working together to improve conditions for the
economy as a whole".
Mr Swain has thanked members of ECAT for their work over the past two and a half years to increase the use of e-commerce
in their own sectors.
He says "ECAT has greatly assisted the Government in achieving its vision for New Zealand to be world class in embracing
e-commerce for competitive advantage".
Mr Swain says highlights include ten regional e-commerce events; the development of the www.nzecommerce.co.nz website
and a freephone service to help businesses increase their involvement in e-commerce; the development of sector-specific
action plans; specialised research projects; and the e-commerce guide for small business.
Mr Swain says "we began this in 2000 because we wanted to lift the profile of e-commerce in New Zealand. It is clear
that the importance of e-commerce is now well understood, and ECAT can take much of the credit for this."
Mr Swain says "the Government is still doing a lot of work in the e-commerce and ICT area, and the momentum created by
ECAT is being continued through the Small Business Advisory Group and government agencies".
The report is available at www.ecat.govt.nz
For more information about ECAT go to www.ecat.govt.nz
Background note on ECAT
ECAT was established as a result of the November 2000 E-Commerce Summit, and has met 11 times since its first meeting in
March 2001
ECAT members represent 11 sectors, and were chosen on the basis they could have a multiplier effect across the economy.
They represent the New Zealand Bankers Association; Institute of Chartered Accountants; New Zealand Law Society; Local
Government New Zealand; Business New Zealand; Chambers of Commerce (Wellington); Federated Farmers; Council of Trade
Unions; Information Technology Association of New Zealand; Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand; and the
Tourism Industry Association.
Government officials from the Ministry of Economic Development, Industry NZ, Trade NZ and the State Services Commission
also attended meetings.
ECAT members have decided to phase out their activities at the end of June as they have achieved what they were
established to do.