Ict, e-business and Small and Medium Enterprises

International co-operation 

E-commerce policies are also increasing co-ordination and co-operation between countries and at  

multinational level. ICT and e-commerce uptake by SMEs has been a priority of various international 

bodies, including the European Union and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). The EU covers a 

wide range of e-business environment, Internet and ICT use issues. eEurope 2005, Helping SMEs to go 

digital, includes initiatives in most areas of policy concern, including health, education and government. 

APEC’s focus areas are similar to those of the OECD, with emphasis on the leading role of the business 

sector. The 2000 APEC Wide Action Plan covered SME-specific policy issues, such as e-commerce 

awareness raising, information provision and technical assistance, ICT education and training, and general 

framework policies including access to infrastructure, a seamless legal/regulatory environment, on-line 

security, authentication and consumer protection. 

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