Post-Dot.Crash Rx: Emerging Economies

Public-Private Partnerships Make Markets Move

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Opportunities for continued e-business growth abound in the markets of developing countries, according to a report issued today by McConnell International LLC, a global policy and technology management consulting firm. The report, Ready? Net. Go! Partnerships Leading the Global Economy, rates 53 key economies’ E-Readiness—their connectivity, e-leadership, information security, human capital, and e-business climate.

“The way forward after the Dot.Crash is global,” said Bruce W. McConnell, the firm’s president. “E-business, e-government, and e-society are on the front burner today in leading emerging economies. It’s seen as a time for catching up with the rich countries.”

The report rated the E-Readiness of: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam. It found scores of business opportunities for companies willing to work with local partners to bring the benefits of the networked age to large numbers of the world’s people.

At a press conference on the report, Bruno Lanvin, Executive Secretary of the G8 Digital Opportunity Task Force (DOT Force), observed, “The leading donor nations and the World Bank Group are taking concerted action to narrow the gap between global information have and have-nots. We recognize the important benefits to economic growth and development that can come from information and communications technology, and intend to make those benefits a reality.”

Harris Miller, President of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), stated, “As the report notes, there are great e-business opportunities around the world. However, countries must continue to foster effective competition for communications and information services, and create a predictable and transparent business environment.” The report was developed in collaboration with WITSA members from many of the rated countries.

His Excellency Ambassador Percy Mangoaela, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kingdom of Lesotho, and Chairman, United Nations Working Group on Informatics,

observed, “The U.N.’s Economic and Social Council is placing digital opportunity at the top of its agenda. For developing countries, it is crucial that we take our place in the digital economy, and not be left behind.”

The report updates an August 2000 study that predicted the current economic downturn. “Nine months ago we warned that without diversifying into global markets, the e-business growth leaders would stumble,” McConnell added. “Today we’re pointing the way out for those firms who are willing to work with local governments, local business, and local non-profit organizations.”

McConnell International LLC was founded in April 2000 by the leaders of the international Y2K effort and long-time U.S. information society advisers. It offers clients strategic advice, opens doors and builds trusted global networks of people, and provides international visibility. The report is available on the company’s website at www.mcconnellinternational.com.

The World Information Technology and Services Alliance is a consortium of 41 information technology (IT) industry associations from economies around the world. As the global voice of the IT industry, WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance the industry's growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in IT products and services; strengthening its national industry associations; providing members with a network of contacts; and hosting the World Congress on IT. For more information, visit www.witsa.org.

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