ESD website provides platform for e-business with Government

November 6, 2000

The Government is to launch the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) website shortly to provide the public with an open and common platform for electronic transactions with the Government.

And to ensure the authentication, integrity, confidentiality and non-repudiation of transactions, the Government has set up its own Public Key Infrastructure, supported by the Hongkong Post, as the first Certification Authority in Hong Kong.

"Adding to these is the enactment of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance which provides not only clear legal framework and secure environment for e-commerce, but also makes certain the legal status of electronic records and signatures," said Mrs Carrie Yau, Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, at the UUNET/HKET Business Web Sites of the Year Awards 2000 presentation today (November 6).

She believed that all these efforts would help instill public confidence in transacting over the Internet, adding that the Government was committed to promoting the development of Internet and e-commerce in Hong Kong.

Noting that e-commerce has become the future trend of economic growth, Mrs Yau said that business websites today were playing a more paramount role in addition to disseminating information.

"As technology advances, business websites are becoming more interactive and user-friendly, making them an image builder, a communication channel with customers, or even a product, service or experience.

"I think a good website is a combination of technology and service quality in harmony. Technology ensures the reliability and security so that customers are assured that on-line transactions are easy and secured. One should also remember that as there is no boundary in the Cyber world, a good business website should be able to address the needs of people from different cultures," she said.

- END -