Competition is also becoming fierce in the field of technology as it advances to support e-commerce. The competition leads to new technology and the need for a standard that can support interoperability and integration of different systems. As it is imperative that a network has a standard to rely on, the e-commerce technology and system that are implemented on the basis of a standard should be adopted. The shift of focus from individual technology to integration and from developer to user emphasizes the importance of standardization efforts more than ever.

From a market perspective, standardization efforts are recognized as a strategic tool with which to strengthen industrial competitiveness in the global market. In particular, the rapid advancement of e-commerce technology established the open-end architecture to replace monopolized standards of the past, and be the de-facto standard that can control the industry and market.

Founded in June 2000 as a non-profit organization that is participated by both the private and public sectors, the ECIF has 2,500 memberships and establishes national standardization plan roadmaps and sectoral standards on electronic documentation, catalogue, product model, transaction and payment systems. The standardization efforts and the guidelines are known to have contributed to providing common grounds of understanding and recognition of major players to e-commerce, including policymakers and businesses.

Based on the outcome, the Forum will continue to exert its best efforts to establish new standard objectives and embrace changes in the marketplace. Best efforts will also be made to be the major player in the Korean e-commerce marketplace that can contribute to improved national competitiveness.

In closing, I hope that the Forum would provide valuable information to the ECIF member companies and contribute significantly to e-commerce standardization efforts. We request for your active participation and interest towards this end.
Thank you.