Official says SMEs considered in developing Apec framework

SMALL-to-medium enterprises are a consideration in developing a framework on information privacy in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, an official says.
Electronic Commerce Steering Group-Data Privacy subgroup chairman Colin Minihan said this in response to views on how the subgroup’s discussions might be more relevant to more established multinationals.
“We are also thinking about issues that may impact PNG more directly. Say for example how we can develop this system to facilitate SMEs or MSMEs being able to take part,” he said.
“Of course at present, it is mostly multinationals that are taking part because they are the ones more aware of the environment in a range of economies.
“But we want this to be something that works for economies and for small businesses in those economies as well.
“That’s what we are trying to do – to create a broad inclusive framework.”
Minihan told The National that multinationals could encourage their suppliers to be part of the framework for the sake of greater privacy for their customers.
“It may be the case that larger companies may encourage their suppliers to be a part of a system. I have heard people use the term business ecosystem,” he said