CLARK FREEPORT, Angeles City, Feb. 4 (PNA) — The Internet is becoming an important and growing driver of the global economy, a policy manager for Google’s Public Policy and Government Affairs said Wednesday.
Access to the Internet and the ability to move data freely across borders increase the productivity of businesses and reduce trade costs, thus creating economic growth and jobs, said William Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald served as one of the resource speakers in the First Public-Private Dialogue on Services at the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s First Senior Officials’ Meeting (APEC-SOM1) being held at the Fontana Convention Center here.
During the dialogue, Fitzgerald discussed the evolving services landscapes brought about by digital trade, citing the huge potential opportunities, particularly for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
He said that the Internet and cross-border data flows are providing small businesses and entrepreneurs great opportunities to participate in the global economy.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs, he said, can now use the Internet to reach customers around the world, unlike before when they had to use local newspapers and other traditional platforms to advertise their products.
“Small businesses can do better when they establish a strong web presence,” he said.
Fitzgerald observed that small businesses and entrepreneurs who use the Internet sell their products four times faster than competitors who use traditional methods.
The Internet is also giving small businesses and entrepreneurs access to business services that could increase their productivity and global competitiveness, he said, adding that Google search and other apps help businesses gain access to market intelligence.
The Internet, he said, is increasingly being used by businesses in innovative ways, for instance it allows companies to harness the intelligence of users by interacting with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders in product development efforts. (PNA)