Opening Ceremony

• Welcome address by official from host country – Russia.
• Welcome address by ITU official.
• Keynote speeches by main sponsors.
• Presentation of seminar program and speakers.

An Overview of E-Commerce

As a number of Internet start-ups re-evaluate their business models due to declining revenues, low levels of consumer confidence and lack of cash injections from investors, can CIS countries avoid the same pitfalls? This session will focus on the potentials of e-commerce and highlight the need for integrating the new economy with traditional business processes. It will discuss the challenges faced by CIS countries in their e-commerce initiatives, highlight the potential of e-commerce as a stimulus for economic and social development and provide forum to share country experiences on concrete e-commerce initiatives. What is e-commerce today and will the proliferation of mobile services drive up the demand for Internet business?

• Overview of E-Commerce – Presentations on major trends, models and drivers
• Country presentations on operational e-commerce infrastructure projects.
• Panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities

Infrastructure for E-Commerce (Technologies and Applications)

For viable e-commerce, there should be a critical mass of businesses and consumers with access to the Internet. As networks converge and geographical barriers fall, IP networks (especially the Internet) are becoming the de-facto channel for the distribution of e-commerce services. This session focuses on the infrastructure requirements, the potentials of e-commerce as a stimulus for the development of the IP networks and the challenges (high cost, low penetration and poor infrastructure) faced by both consumers and businesses in the use of e-commerce services. It also aims to discussing the potential of mobile Internet, fixed-wireless and fixed-mobile networks and next generation IP networks.

• Infrastructure (soft and hard) requirements for secure e-commerce
• Challenges and Strategies for enhancing network infrastructure
• Emerging access technologies (fixed, mobile and digital TV) to e-commerce services
• Country presentations

Environment for E-Commerce – Policy and Regulatory Framework

The development of e-commerce technologies and services can only take place in an environment that is favourable to new initiatives, competition and conducive to investments and private sector participation. Policies for Internet access, convergent services and a legal framework to provide the protection for electronic transactions and the operations of certification services are vital for e-commerce growth. This session addresses the policy initiatives, the challenges and the role of governments in facilitating the development of e-commerce in the Region. What challenges face CIS countries in creating a favourable environment for e-commerce?

• Presentations on the policy and regulatory requirements for e-commerce.
• Country presentations on national e-commerce policy initiatives.
• Discussions on proposed actions and role of governments and policy-makers.
• Summary of session and recommendations.

The Legal Framework for E-commerce

The recognition of digital certificates and digital signatures, the use of encryption technologies and the operations of certification authorities are just a few of the legal requirements for e-commerce. Can e-commerce be undertaken in the absence of a legal framework?

• Presentations on the legal requirements for e-commerce.
• Country presentations on national initiatives for a legal framework.

E-Commerce Strategies and the Role of the ITU

As telecommunication operators see their voice revenues decline and face stiff competition as a result of deregulation, liberalisation and convergence, how can service providers and operators leverage on their brand name, customer-base and existing infrastructure? What strategies must adopted for value-added services in an environment where IP networks are emerging as the channel for business relationships? What role can operators play in the development of e-commerce infrastructure and services? What business models are likely to work for operators and service providers? This session poses several questions that must be addressed as developing countries face the challenges in their transition into the digital economy.

• Presentations by operators and Internet Service Providers from the Region.
• Panel discussion on the importance of regional strategies
• E-Commerce technology strategies and business models.
• The ITU Electronic Commerce for Developing Countries (EC-DC).

Summary and Recommendations

• Panel discussions, summary of sessions.
• Follow-up activities and recommendations.
• Closing Ceremony.