Electronic commerce in Greater China

The Greater China region (China, Taiwan and Hong Kong) has more than 1.2 billion people, about one fifth of the world's total population. This incredibly large market continues to modernize rapidly, and over the last five years, the region has maintained a very high economic growth rate in comparison to the rest of the world. The combination of market size and economic growth makes Greater China the most promising place in the world for Internet products and services. China, Taiwan and Hong Kong recognize the opportunities and via public and private initiatives are investing in the development of information technology (IT) and the Internet infrastructure. This paper outlines the key electronic commerce (EC) trends and events in the region. Further, the research analyzes the current impediments to Internet commerce in China. Taiwan and Hong Kong and provides strategy and directions for the region's EC development.