e-Commerce

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY : In the past, several studies have been undertaken to gauge the e-commerce potential of India. The conclusion of most of these studies has been that the country is expected to benefit tremendously from an explosive growth in e-commerce. The three key entities that would benefit from the development of a robust e-commerce infrastructure are Business, Consumers at all levels and the Government. While there has been significant discussion regarding benefits, through this report, CII has attempted to table the action points for Industry and the Government, which will enable the country achieve its e-commerce projections and derive economic benefits. India's rapid migration to a digital economy is expected to result in a paradigm shift in the economic contours of the country at a macro as well as a micro level. The biggest beneficiaries of the transition would be the Indian industry that can use this technology to enhance its competitiveness by achieving a more closely coupled and secure linkage with its business partners, customers and the regulatory authorities. The Internet is believed to be ushering in a change in the environment of a magnitude even larger than the Industrial Revolution. In future, harnessing the technology and utilizing it properly may determine the competitive advantage of nations. India's economy has experienced considerable impetus from the software industry and the momentum needs to be sustained so that the country can successfully transcend the digital divide. The report focuses on select building blocks of e-commerce for the country. It has been felt that prompt action by the Government and Industry in these areas could result in rapid adoption of Internet and e-commerce within the country. These building blocks are: . Communication Infrastructure . Payment and Taxation . Security Infrastructure . e-Governance.