Foreword
In November 2000 on the occasion of the E-Commerce Summit in Auckland, the Government launched its E-Commerce Strategy for New Zealand. The Strategy set out the Government's vision:
New Zealand will be world class in embracing e-commerce for competitive advantage.
It detailed the Government's commitment to provide leadership and work in partnership with business and the broader community to build the e-commerce capability of New Zealanders. In addition it set out the role for Government. It identified how and where Government would focus its efforts to ensure that all citizens have access to new technology and it outlined initiatives to support an enabling regulatory environment in which e-commerce can flourish.
One year on I am pleased to be able to report progress in implementing the Strategy. I am particularly encouraged that through the E-Commerce Action Team (ECAT) and the Regional E-Commerce Events the Government's vision of a partnership model is being realised.
The E-Commerce Strategy is one of a growing number of initiatives designed to drive the economic transformation of New Zealand. The release of the E-Government Strategy in April 2001, the work of the Science and Innovation Council to develop an innovation framework and the Government's Venture Capital Fund are just some of the many examples of the Government's concerted efforts to build a knowledge economy infrastructure in New Zealand.
We have made good progress but more remains to be done.
I would re-emphasise that this work is not only the responsibility of the Government, but also the responsibility of business and the wider community. A number of regions have shown admirable leadership in promoting e-commerce initiatives and in formulating plans to enable high speed Internet access and I appreciate and thank them for their farsightedness and commitment.
I encourage others who may still be at the talking stage to take action - our future prosperity depends on your concerted efforts and on the participation of us all in implementing the e-commerce vision.
Hon Paul Swain
Minister for Information Technology
Minister of Commerce
Minister of Communications
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