HSBC Bank yesterday launched the

e-Commerce service for business

customers, allowing them to sell goods or services over the internet in a safe and secure manner.

HSBC head of commercial banking James Dunbar Cousin pointed out that in today’s world, e-Commerce is a fact of life for businesses.

“Online payments for goods and services give Maltese businesses a wider sale distribution which in turn increases competitiveness and sales.”

Through the service, businesses can accept all major credit and debit cards, with the reassurance that these are securely processed, even when accepting payments from overseas

customers.

Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt said that around 90 per cent of local businesses use the internet, while 87 per cent have made use of the internet for online payment. Another 16 per cent of Maltese businesses place their orders online.

He pointed out that businesses can only adopt e-Commerce if they have the necessary environment and structures in place.

“The government can provide the necessary political direction and vision for this to take place,” said Dr Gatt.

Furthermore, he added, it is important that other sectors keep up with the requirements of the business community in order to be able to provide this service.

However, he said, all this calls for a culture change within the business community.

“We have to stop thinking of e-Commerce as buying something online that you could have bought from your local shop. The real added value is more complex and has the potential of creating business that does not yet exist,” said Dr Gatt.

There are no costs incurred on opening an HSBC e-Commerce Merchant Account. For more information call customer service on 2380-2380 or visit www.hsbc.com.mt