China is expecting tremendous growth in the internet industry and Ecommerce in the near future. However, low PC penetration rate, inadequate telecom infrastructure as well as poor regulation pose significant challenges to this growth opportunity. The first big question for any potential E-commerce player is common: how do I reach my customers on-line in China?

The Connectivity panel of the HCR conference aims to shed light on this important issue. The panel brings together a group of
distinguished speakers, all of whom have extensive experience in the internet industry and E-commerce in China, to share their views about the connectivity status in China and the suggested solutions.

The panel is moderated by Mr. Charles Edelman, President and CEO of International High-Tech Consulting. Speakers are Mr. Steven Lai, CEO of Dell China; Mr. John Tse, MD of TCL Holding; Mr. Nicholas Lee, President & CEO of Pacific Internet and Mr. Raymond Jook, research analyst of Dillon Warburg.

International High-Technologies Consulting
Charles Edelman

Mr. Edelman started the panel with an overview of the internet
industry in general and the development stage in China in particular. 

“We have seen strong demand for internet infrastructure and capacity worldwide, coupled with a flurry of deals in merger and acquisition and joint venture in telecom industry. Major telecom companies are also investing significantly in expanding the broadband.

In China, the telecom infrastructure has registered a growth rate of
more than 30% over the past couple of years, partly due to strong
central and local support. IP telephony is a key growth area, with 1
million users in 1998 and 10 million in 2000. Ministry of
Information Industry (MII) is expected to further increase investment in telecom infrastructure, with $157 million in ATM and $58 million in internet router.

Extensive infrastructure network will soon be established. Coupled with the establishment of network, China will soon develop an appetite for application providers and network management. Currently, the main players in the industry are China Telecom, China Unicom, China Netcom and Jitong.”