PAA Launches Cross Border Customs Declaration Service

19 August 2004, Macau - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance, known as PAA, held the 16th Steering Committee meeting in Macau from 18th August to 19th August 2004. Established in July 2000, it is the first regional e-Commerce alliance in Asia that promotes and provides secure and reliable IT infrastructure to facilitate efficient global trade and logistics. Current PAA Members comprise Tradelink of Hong Kong, Trade-Van of Chinese Taipei, CrimsonLogic of Singapore, KTNET of Korea, CIECC of China, TEDI Club of Japan, Dagang Net of Malaysia and TEDMEV of Macau. CAT Telecom Public Co. Ltd. was accepted by PAA as a formal member in this meeting.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance after the meeting, Dr. Chen, Jenn Nan, Chairman of the PAA and Trade-Van's CEO said, "We are extremely pleased with the significant progress we have made in these two days. And at this meeting we unanimously endorsed the application of CAT for PAA membership."

Mr. Sompol Chanprasert, senior executive vice president of CAT said, "CAT, representing Thailand, is looking forward to enhancing the e-Commerce business, particularly secure cross border transactions with the international trading community in cooperation with the PAA members."

Chairman of TEDMEV, Mr. Lo Loi Weng expressed his warm welcome to all the PAA members and showed his full support to PAA regional cooperation. 'I am sure that in the PAA initiatives in secure cross border electronic transaction services, the impetus to paperless trade and to provide door-to-door cargo tracking, will bring a significant benefit to the business growth in the Asian region.' Said Mr. Lo.

The PAA reported progress in various projects. Among them, a cross border customs declaration service model had been launched and the service was extended to freight forwarders. These users benefit from the reuse and data sharing among the trading community to facilitate their respective customs' declarations using the PAA secure cross border transaction service.

As an associate member of AFACT, the Asia Pacific chapter of the UN/CEFACT, which is the UN/EDIFACT standard setting body, PAA is invited to make a presentation on the AFACT annual meeting held in September 2004. PAA will further promote APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) initiatives in paperless trading.

The 17th Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled to be held in Taiwan in November 2004.

Dato' Seri Rafidah Aziz, the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia, fully supports the work of the PAA

21 May 2004, Langkawi, Malaysia - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance, known as PAA, met for the 15th time, in Langkawi, Malaysia from 17th May to 21st May 2004. Established in July 2000, it is the first regional e-Commerce alliance in Asia that promotes and provides secure and reliable IT infrastructure to facilitate efficient global trade and logistics. Current PAA Members comprise Tradelink of Hong Kong, Trade-Van of Chinese Taipei, CrimsonLogic of Singapore, KTNET of Korea, CIECC of China, TEDI Club of Japan, Dagang Net of Malaysia and TEDMEV of Macau. CAT Telecom Public Co. Ltd. from Thailand participated in the meeting as an observer.

Dato' Seri Rafidah Aziz, the Minister of International Trade and Industry Malaysia officiated the opening of the meeting. Dato' Seri Rafidah made it very clear the Malaysian Government fully recognized PAA effort and the value it brought to the promotion of cross border electronic trade. At the same time, Dato' Seri Rafidah encouraged PAA to expand the scope to cover all ASEAN members and other parts of the world.

The PAA working group reported further progress in various projects, and highlighted the achievements in secure cross border electronic transaction services. As examples, transactions between Hyundai Motor of Korea and Metal One of Japan were carried out successfully, and new hubs were recruited for inclusion in these services.

On becoming an associate member of AFACT, the Asia Pacific chapter of the UN/CEFACT, which is the UN/EDIFACT standard setting body, Dr. Chen Jenn-Nan, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of Trade-Van said, "This is a significant recognition of PAA's contribution in promoting and facilitating the cross border services in the Asian region." He further added that, "I would like to stress that the success of the PAA services would not have been possible without the full cooperation and support of all the members." Commercial transactions of the PAA services have been ongoing since July, 2003.

Dr. Chen has also been invited to address the 1st APEC e-Commerce Business Alliance Forum to be held in Yantai, China from 15th-16th June, 2004 to share the value of PAA services in APEC initiatives.

For financial fulfillment and settlement services, both Bolero and TradeCard have approached PAA with proposals for collaboration.

The 16th Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled to be held in Macau in August 2004.

14th Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance Steering Committee Meeting in Seoul

13 February 2004, Seoul, KOREA - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance, known as PAA, established in July 2000, is the first regional e-Commerce alliance in Asia that promotes and provides secure and reliable IT infrastructure and facilities for efficient global trade and logistics. Current PAA Members comprise Tradelink of Hong Kong, Trade-Van of Chinese Taipei, CrimsonLogic of Singapore, KTNET of Korea, CIECC of China, TEDI Club of Japan, Dagang Net of Malaysia and TEDMEV of Macau. The 14th PAA Steering Committee meeting was hosted by KTNET in Seoul from 12th to 13th February 2004. CAT Telecom Public Co. Ltd. from Thailand participated in the meeting as an observer.

New hub users have joined the PAA Secure Cross Border Transaction Service. As a notable example, CIECC and Trade-Van recruited ABIT, a world-class motherboard manufacturer in Chinese Taipei, to conduct electronic transactions with its global production factory, Rolly, in Suzhou China.

Mr. Park Bong-Kyu, Deputy Minister for Trade and Investment Policy of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Energy Korea, extended his warm welcome to PAA members and his strong support for the PAA Initiatives. Dr. Lee Suk Young, Vice Chairman and CEO, Korea International Trade Association also expressed great satisfaction with the progress of the PAA and reiterated the very high recognition of the PAA in Korea, especially amongst the business community.

Dr. Chen Jenn-Nan, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of Trade-Van said, “It is pleasing to note that the PAA regions have the highest growth in the world economy. To support this growth with greater efficiency , the impetus to paperless trade is stronger here than in most other regions in the world. We are glad that the PAA in its small way, is helping APEC achieve its goal for paperless trade, through its initiatives in secure cross border electronic transaction services and its global visibility platform to provide door-to-door cargo tracking.”

Other initiatives discussed by the Steering Committee include:

1. A title repository to facilitate the online title document transfer for cargo shipments.

2. Further expansion of its global visibility platform (cargo tracking service) to more PAA customers to track the status and location of their cargo shipments.

3. Collaboration with UN/CEFACT on the possible adoption of the ebXML Core Component approach for an international document modeling standard.

The 15th Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in May 2004.

Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance Meets in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, CHINA, November 21, 2003 - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance, established in July 2000, is the first regional e-Commerce alliance in Asia that promotes and provides secure and reliable IT infrastructure and facilities for efficient global trade and logistics. Members comprise Tradelink, CrimsonLogic, KTNET, Trade-Van, CIECC, TEDI Club, Dagang Net and TEDMEV.

At the 13th PAA Steering Committee meeting hosted by China International Electronic Commerce Center (CIECC) in Shanghai from 20th to 21st November 2003, members were joined by representatives from the Communications Authority of Thailand and EDI Indonesia who attended the meeting as observers. The Asia PKI Forum also met with the Working Committee of the PAA to foster a closer alignment of the complementary initiatives of both organisations.

Mr. Liu Jun Sheng, Director, CIECC, Ministry of Commerce, PRC, representing Vice Minister, Ms Liao Xiao Qi, said that MOFCOM is extremely supportive of the PAA Initiatives. He expressed great pride in CIECC being part of the alliance which has made electronic cross-border transaction practicable and a reality. He pledged continued support from MOFCOM for the promotion of electronic commerce and trade such as that of PAA.

Mr Mathivanan, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of CrimsonLogic said, “We are pleased to report further expansion of the PAA user base with Doosan of Korea and its group of overseas suppliers in Chinese Taipei and China participating in the PAA Service.

“As with the current PAA cross-border electronic trade chains now in operation in the 8 economies, Doosan and its suppliers will also gain from efficiencies and cost savings of 20 % or more by using the secure PAA infrastructure that links them with their major trading partners.”

Other initiatives discussed by the Steering Committee include:

1. A title repository to facilitate the online title document transfer for cargo shipments.

2. Improving the global visibility service (cargo tracking service) for PAA customers to track the status and location of their cargo shipments.

Mr. Mathivanan handed over his chairmanship to Dr. Chen Jenn-Nan, CEO of Trade-Van, who was unanimously elected by the Steering Committee for the coming term.

The 14th Steering Committee Meeting will be held in Seoul on 12th and 13th February of 2004.

Eight-member Pan Asian Alliance To Promote Paperless and Secure eTrade For More Than 200,000 Customers

Singapore, August 28, 2003 - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA) has achieved good progress in enabling regional businesses to exchange trade documentation seamlessly and securely, with more than 10 cross-border electronic trade chains now in operations within the 8 economies. When fully implemented, a potential of 200,000 companies stand to gain from efficiencies and cost savings experienced by connecting to the secure PAA infrastructure that links them with the major trading partners in the various economies. Studies have shown that cost savings can be 20 per cent or more.

Established in July 2000, the PAA is the first regional e-Commerce alliance in Asia that aims to promote and provide secure and reliable IT infrastructure and facilities for efficient global trade and logistics. Members comprise Tradelink, CrimsonLogic, KTNET, Trade-Van, CIECC, TEDI Club, Dagang Net and TEDMEV.

At the 12th PAA Steering Committee meeting hosted by CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd in Singapore from 27th to 28th August 2003, members were joined by representatives from Communications Authority of Thailand, TradeSiam and Sri Lanka Electronic Network Services who attended the meeting as observers.

Mr Mathivanan, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of CrimsonLogic said, “We have made substantial progress in recruiting major corporations for the PAA secure cross-border transaction services including Hyundai Motors, GM-Daewoo, Doosan Corporation, Mitsui & Co., and Hyundai Hysco. Hyundai Motors has estimated that by using the PAA services, it will save over US$1 million in setting up its own e-platform and another US$6 million per year in inventory costs alone by reducing the lead time required for ordering. In addition, Dimerco, a large multinational freight forwarder headquartered in Taiwan which currently has offices in 54 cities over 17 countries, is actively working with the PAA to improve the efficiency of their cross border logistics services, including streamlined trade processes such as customs clearances.”

At the PAA welcome dinner, guest of honour Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Chief Executive Officer of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore spoke about an important factor that would gel various business communities together. “Connectivity strengthens the ties that Singapore has with many cities around the world - for trade and goodwill. In IDA we see infocomm as a key enabler for trading communities to collaborate to become more productive and efficient,” said Mrs Tan.

“The PAA comprises many innovative companies and I am confident that with your technological expertise and resources, the PAA can help companies enjoy the benefits of trading electronically with their counterparts in Asia. In time to come, I hope that more trading communities around the world will come to value and enjoy uninterrupted cross-border trading through collaboration with the PAA,” she expressed to the heads and working representatives of Steering Committee.

The Asia PKI Forum represented by Mr Shigeru Kameda presented the workings of the Asia PKI working groups and suggested the collaboration between the two organisations. This was welcomed by the PAA and there will be a joint meeting in China this November.

Other initiatives discussed by the Steering Committee included:
1. Furthering the global visibility service (cargo tracking service) which KTNET has already developed under the PAA initiative.

2. Aligning the PAA customs clearance document format with that of the World Customs Organisation.

The 13th Steering Committee Meeting will be held in mainland China in November 2003.

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Meets in Malaysia

Malaysia, February 21, 2003 - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA) held its 11th Steering Committee Meeting in Kuala Lumpur from 20th to 21st February 2003. The meeting was attended by Tradelink, CrimsonLogic, CIECC, KTNET, Trade-Van, TEDI Club, Dagang Net and TEDMEV. TEDMEV is the latest member accepted in the PAA. Representatives from EDI Indonesia attended the meeting as observer.

Mr. Mathivanan, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of CrimsonLogic said, "We have made substantial progress in the pilots for the PAA Secure Cross Border Transaction Service. To date, successful pilots were conducted on cross border transactions among business entities from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. Among the new entrants to these pilots are well known establishments such as Mitsubishi Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation. SME such as Aw Boon Kwee Transport of Singapore also supported the projects by doing both customs brokering and forwarding functions. Under our Certificate Authority (CA) Mutual Recognition scheme, GFACA of China, and JETS of Japan were given full recognition making a total of 6 CAs being endorsed under the scheme".

The Pan Asian Portal (www.paa.net) is also being enhanced to include the member economies' Economics and Trade Statistics, Trade Procedures, Country Information, Business Practices and Culture, and URL Links to trade-related Government Agencies. This information would be provided at no cost to visitors to the PAA portal and users of PAA services.

Other initiatives discussed by the Steering Committee included:

• Progress on the development of the cargo tracking service initiated by KTNET.
• Endorsement of the PAA Interconnection Specification version 2.0.
• Adopt the use of ebXML Interoperability Test Specification Part 1 version 1.0.
• Malaysia's MSC Trustgate has applied for recognition for certification under PAA Certificate Authority Mutual Recognition scheme.

Dagang Net of Malaysia hosted a dinner in honour of the PAA Steering Committee meeting held in Malaysia for the first time. Encik Ahmad Pardas Senin, Director of Dagang Net, Managing Director of TIME Engineering Berhad and also President of ICT Division UEM-RENONG was the Guest of Honour. Encik Ahmad Pardas Senin thanked PAA for the endorsement of Dagang Net as a member of the Alliance. As quoted, he said, "I am confident that with Dagang Net's ready infrastructure, established exchange network and extensive pool of customers and partners, we will create a critical mass for PAA members to perform cross-border transactions with their Malaysian counterparts and vice versa. It is also a privilege to be part of this significant Asian initiative, as well as a challenge to contribute our best resources to help achieve the PAA charter successfully, for the benefit of the entire Asian business community."

At the end of the 11th PAA Steering Committee, the Chairman Mr Mathivanan, also shared his goal for this coming year to be as follows :
1. Have all members participate in the provision of PAA Secure Cross Border Transaction Service
2. PAA to focus on growing the market rather than on competition
3. Continue to enhance the business environment as a grouping of responsible commercial entities in line with the various Governments' initiatives to promote e-Commerce and Secure Cross Border Trade

The 12th Steering Committee Meeting of the PAA will be held in SEOUL on 29th to 30th MAY, 2003.

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Meets in Japan

JAPAN, November 22, 2002 - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA) held its 10th Steering Committee Meeting in Yokohama, Japan from 21 to 22 November 2002. The meeting was attended by Tradelink, CrimsonLogic, Infoshare, KTNET, Trade-Van, TEDI Club and DagangNet. Representatives from TEDMEV of Macau attended the work group meeting as observers.

Mr. Justin Yue, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of Tradelink said, "We are making extremely good progress with the PAA Secure Cross Border Transaction Service. All members are actively participating in the pilot projects and we are also adding well known companies such as Hyundai Motors and LG Industrial Systems to the pilot. We are gathering valuable feedback which will be of immense help in taking this service forward into its next stage, including making available online title document management services. Under our Certificate Authority Mutual Recognition scheme, we are processing the application for recognition from GFACA of China. I would fully expect recognition for GFACA to be granted before our next meeting pending a few administrative procedures."

Having concluded successfully the first stage of the development of the Pan Asian Portal (www.paa.net), the PAA Steering Committee agreed on a list of new services that should be incorporated into the Pan Asian Portal as its next stage of development. Ultimately, the PAA would become a popular vehicle for business discovery and transactions.

Other initiatives discussed by the Steering Committee included:

• Progress on the development of the cargo tracking service initiated by KTNET and Trade-Van. Network expansion with TRAXON and GTNexus is being developed.
• Enhancement of PAA technical infrastructure, including an upgrade of the ebXML messaging service to version 2.0.
• A TEDI offer to share with PAA its know-how of its online title document management service.
• The creation of a PAA publication / e-newsletter to disseminate PAA news and services, and to promote e-commerce among regions of PAA members.

TEDI Club hosted a dinner in honor of the PAA Steering Committee meeting in Japan for the first time. Mr. Masafumi Kuroki, Deputy Director-General of Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry was the Guest of Honor. Praising the PAA as a unique creation, Mr. Kuroki urged the PAA to redouble its effort to help the Asia Pacific region leapfrog into paperless trade and he encouraged the various initiatives that the PAA had launched.

At the end of the 10th PAA Steering Committee, Mr. V Mathivanan, CEO of CrimsonLogic was elected as the new Chairman of the PAA succeeding Mr. Justin Yue who had served as the founding PAA Chairman for two years.

The 11th Steering Committee Meeting of the PAA will be held in Malaysia on 20-21 February, 2003.

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Meets in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, August 23, 2002 - The Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance (PAA) held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting in Hong Kong from 22 to 23 August 2002. The meeting was attended by Tradelink, CrimsonLogic, Infoshare, KTNET, Trade-Van, TEDI Club and DagangNet. Representatives from TEDMEV of Macau attended the meeting as observers by invitation.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance after the meeting, Mr. Justin Yue, Chairman of the PAA and CEO of Tradelink said, "We are extremely pleased with the significant progress we made in our various projects since our last meeting in Singapore. Under our Certification Authority Mutual Recognition Scheme, recognition has just been granted to TradeSign of Korea. That makes a total of 4 Certification Authorities recognised under the Scheme." Certification Authorities previously recognised include Digi-Sign of Hong Kong, TaiCA of Taiwan, and Netrust of Singapore. Application for recognition has also been received from CIECC's Certification Authority in China and recognition is expected to be granted prior to the next PAA Steering Committee Meeting in November 2002.

Members of the PAA noted the progress they were making with the pilot of the Secure Cross Border Transaction Service. Given the momentum being created, the Steering Committee focused on the way to expand the commercial documents set, such as Bills of Lading, to meet the needs of users.

CrimsonLogic delivered a demonstration on the latest version of the Pan-Asian Portal, www.paa.net. The PAA Steering Committee agreed to release the Portal to the public. The PAA is committed to make this the most informative gateway that all traders around the world can use.

Other initiatives and co-operation possibilities discussed by the Steering Committee include:

• upgrade of the PAA technical infrastructure.
• cargo tracking service currently being developed by KTNET and Trade-Van. Both DagangNet and CrimsonLogic have confirmed their intention to participate.
• an approach / presentation by CitiBank for possible co-operation in financial settlement services.

Asked about his impression on attending the PAA Steering Committee Meeting for the first time, Mr. Mathew Cheong, Managing Director of TEDMEV, said he was very impressed with the relevance of what the PAA is doing in relation to what TEDMEV is trying to achieve in Macau. "I think we will definitely want to work more closely with the PAA by participating in the various PAA projects. Perhaps some time next year, we hope we will be in a position to apply for membership in the PAA."

Tradelink hosted a welcome dinner for the 9th PAA Steering Committee, at which Mr. Francis Ho, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology of the Hong Kong SAR Government was the Guest of Honour. In his welcome note to the PAA members, Mr. Ho reaffirmed the support of the Hong Kong SAR Government for the direction and work of the PAA, noting in particular that Tradelink was set up with the full support of the Government.

The 10th Steering Committee Meeting of the PAA will be held in Yokohama, Japan on 21-22 November, 2002.

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Grows to Seven Members at Summit Held in Singapore

SINGAPORE, May 10, 2002 - The Pan-Asian e-Commerce Alliance (PAA) held its 8th Steering Committee meeting in Singapore from 9th to 10th May 2002. The meeting was attended by CrimsonLogic, Infoshare, KTNET, Tradelink, Trade-Van, and TEDI Club. Representatives from DagangNet of Malaysia also attended the full meeting by invitation, having applied for PAA membership prior to the meeting.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance after the meeting, Mr Justin Yue, Chairman of the PAA and Tradelink CEO said, "We are extremely pleased with the significant progress we have made in these two days. In a matter of just four short months, the Alliance has grown from five members strong to seven members strong. At the 7th meeting we admitted TEDI Club as a member. And at this meeting we unanimously endorsed the application of DagangNet for PAA membership."

Said Mr Yong Voon Choon, General Manager of DagangNet, "DagangNet is honoured to represent Malaysia in this important regional eCommerce initiative. With our participation, we hope to help integrate the Malaysian importers and exporters into the global eCommerce arena."

The PAA also reported significant progress in its various projects. "Our Certification Authority Mutual Recognition Scheme made further headway today," said Mr Yue. Following Digi-Sign of Hong Kong and TaiCA of Taiwan, Netrust of Singapore was granted recognition making a total of 3 Certification Authorities that have been recognized under the scheme. Certification Authorities from China, Korea and Japan are undergoing the assessment process and their applications for recognition are expected as soon as the assessment process is completed.

The pilot of the PAA's Secure Cross Border Transaction Service is also gathering steam. Trade-Van reported at the meeting the participation of The Formosa Plastics Group in the project which, after completing the pilot phase, will be formally launched in early 2003.

Looking to the future, PAA members are also considering integrating the PAA Secure Cross Border Transaction Service to their current Government transaction services and to expand the four commercial documents covered to other commercial documents required for financial settlement, in response to feedback from customers.

The meeting also discussed progress made in other projects, including the PAA Portal, Cargo Tracking and financial fulfillment.

To establish a clear-cut identity, the PAA has adopted a new logo which resembles the helm of ship, to symbolize its mission to pilot the development of E-commerce in the Asian Pacific region.

Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chairman of CrimsonLogic and CEO of International Enterprise Singapore, hosted a dinner for the PAA delegates. In his welcoming address, Mr. Lee voiced the unreserved support of Singapore for the work of the Alliance. The Alliance as it is presently constituted, according to Mr Lee, represents a region whose economic strength rivals that of the USA. "China, Japan and ASEAN imported US$945 billion worth of merchandise in 2001, close to that of the USA at US$1181 billion. Anything we could do to enhance the trade and investment flows in the region will have significant economic spin-offs to the business communities," said Mr Lee.

The 9th meeting of the PAA will be held in Hong Kong on 22-23 August 2002.

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Grows again at Summit Held in Taipei

TAIPEI, February 1, 2002 - The Pan Asian e-Commerce Alliance (PAA) held its 7th Steering Committee meeting in Taipei from 31st January to 1st February 2002. The meeting was attended by CrimsonLogic, Infoshare, KTNET, TRADELINK, TRADE-VAN, and TEDI Club. Representatives from DagangNet of Malaysia also attended the full meeting by invitation.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance after the meeting, Mr Justin Yue said, "We are extremely pleased with the significant progress we have made in these two days. Given the readiness of TEDI Club to enter its commercial phase, we have taken the deliberate decision to confer formal Founding Member status on TEDI Club." Previously TEDI Club took part in PAA activities as an observer. It is now PAA's sixth Founding Member.

"By invitation, DagangNet also attended our PAA Steering Committee meeting for the first time." Said Mr Yue. "During the course of our meeting, we had a comprehensive presentation from DagangNet of the work that it does, and clearly there is demonstrable synergy between its work and the common objectives of PAA." Mr Yue expressed confidence that DagangNet will apply to join the PAA very shortly. "I will not be surprised if DagangNet becomes our seventh member by the time our Steering Committee next meets in April this year."

"But we also made significant progress in other areas. Our Certificate Authority Mutual Recognition Scheme got off to a flying start with TaiCA (used by TRADE-VAN) and Digi-Sign (used by TRADELINK) gaining recognition at this meeting. Application by other Certification Authorities are in the pipeline and we expect to process most of them by March."

Mr Yue also said that this would dovetail nicely with the piloting of the PAA's Secure Cross Border Transaction Services in April this year. Digital certificates from the mutually recognised Certification Authorities will be used to enhance security and achieve non-repudiation in these cross border transactions.

The PAA also reported significant progress in the following areas:

1. Secure Cross-border Transaction Services:

The Steering Committee endorsed the PAA document format standards for the initial set of documents to be used in the pilot to commence in April 2002. Work is also underway to expand the pilot to more commercial documents and to more industry segments.

2. Pan-Asian Portal:

CrimsonLogic presented a live demonstration of the Pan Asian Portal and highlighted in particular its traders directory feature and search capability. Links will be set up to connect the portal to the respective trader database of all Alliance members in the next two months. By this time, it will be capable of providing access to over 150,000 of the Alliance customers in the region.

3. TEDI

TEDI updated significant progress in its development with actual transactions commencing in November 2001. In parallel, pilot tests are being conducted with TRADE-VAN and KTNET.

4. Cargo Tracking Service:

Progress was being made by the Cargo Tracking Working Group in testing the system involving some customers from KTNET and TRADE-VAN. Upon completion of the testing, the next step is to extend the use of the service to other alliance members and incorporating the cargo tracking functions into the Secure Cross-border transaction services.

5. Financial Fulfillment

The meeting also agreed to set up a work group to examine the potential of creating PAA services to facilitate financial fulfillment.

The Steering Committee formally established two operating companies to manage the operation of the PAA Policy Authority and the PAA trade services which initially include the Secure Cross-border transaction services and the Pan-Asian Portal respectively.

The PAA Alliance was formed in mid 2000 and now comprises the following founding members:

• Infoshare, or Infoshare Information Technology Development Co. Ltd. of China
• KTNET or Korea Trade Network of Korea
• SNS or Singapore Network Services, now known as CrimsonLogic of Singapore
• TEDI Club, of Japan
• TRADELINK or TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Limited of Hong Kong
• TRADE-VAN or TRADE-VAN Information Services Corporation., of Chinese Taipei

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Hold Summit in Korea for the First Time
Closer Ties among PAA members to Promote Paperless Trade

SEOUL, KOREA, November 1-2, 2001 - The Pan Asian e-Commerce Alliance held its 6th Steering Committee meeting in Seoul on 1st to 2nd Nov 2001. The meeting was held in the new COEX complex among the 5 founding members (Infoshare CIECC, CrimsonLogic, KTNET, TRADELINK AND TRADE-VAN) and TEDI as the observer.

Significant progress was reported in the following areas:

1. Secure Cross-border Transaction Services:
Scenario analyses were done and pilot companies were identified for tests to be conducted between November 2001 and February 2002, for implementation in March 2002.

The PAA announced that an operating company will be formed to manage the Secure Cross Border messaging and the Pan Asian Portal.

2. PKI Mutual Recognition:
The PAA Policy Authority endorsed the PAA Certificate Policy and the associated recognition procedure. The Certificate Authorities supporting the 5 founding members of the Alliance and TEDI are expected to be recognized in the first quarter of 2002.

The purpose of creating a mutual recognition framework is to allow secure and trusted cross border exchange of electronic trade documentation and information among PAA members.

3. Pan-Asian Portal:
CrimsonLogic presented a live demonstration of the Pan Asian Portal with mockup of the Traders Directory, Search capability and company information. The system is expected to be completed and deployed by January 2002.

The possibility of expanding the portal into an e-Marketplace is also being examined.

4. Cargo Tracking Service:
The Cargo Tracking Working Group demonstrated the global logistics visibility. A prototype is being built involving some customers from KTNET and TRADE-VAN. Cargo Tracking Working Group was set up to incorporate cargo tracking functions into the Secure Cross-border transaction services.

The PAA identified several logistics information providers to collaborate with in this project.

5. TEDI
TEDI reported that two operating companies have been formed namely TEDIANET and JETS to run its commercial operations. It is expected that TEDI will become a full member in the near future.

PAA initiative was formed in mid 2000 comprising the following founding members:

• Infoshare CIECC, China International Electronic Commerce Center of China
  
• KTNET or Korea Trade Network
  
• SNS or Singapore Network Services, now known as CrimsonLogic
  
• TRADELINK or TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Limited of Hong Kong, SAR
  
• TRADE-VAN or TRADE-VAN information Services Corporation., of Chinese Taipei
  

Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance Hold Summit in Mainland China for the First Time
Closer Ties among PAA members to Promote Paperless Trade

BEIJING, CHINA, 2-3 August 2001 - The Pan Asian e-Commerce Alliance (PAA) held its 5th Steering Committee in Beijing on 2 and 3 August 2001. The meeting was held in the China International Electronic Commerce Building among 5 founding members (Infoshare CIECC, KTNET, SNS, TRADELINK AND TRADE-VAN) and TEDI as the observer.

Significant progress was reported in the following areas:

1. Secure Cross-border Transaction Services:

Documentation standards developed for the upcoming test on reliable and secure messaging. The test will be conducted between September 2001 to February 2002 for implementation in March 2002.

2. PKI Mutual Recognition:

The interoperability tests were successful. A draft "PAA Certificate Policy and Accreditation Processes" was prepared by Arthur Andersen for members' further discussion and adoption. It is expected that the mutual recognition of members' certificate will be ready for the start of the Secure Cross Border Transaction Service Pilot in early 2002.

3. Pan-Asian Portal:

A Pan Asian Traders Directory mockup was reviewed and discussed in the meeting. It is expected that Traders Directory will be rolled out in the later half of 2001 as the first phase of this Pan Asian collaboration.

4. Cargo Tracking Service:

A Cargo Tracking Working Group was set up to incorporate cargo tracking functions into the Secure Cross-border transaction services.

Mr. Wang JianGuo, Deputy Director of Infoshare CIECC, said "We are happy to host this Steering Committee Meeting at our premises as this follows our successful APEC e-Commerce Symposium in February at the same place. The PAA founding members are leaders in the field of e-commerce in the Asian region. With our combined strength in technical development, experience and proven track record, it is expected that there will be accelerated development of smooth cross-border e-commerce".

PAA initiative was formed in mid-2000 comprising the following founding members:

- Infoshare CIECC, China International Electronic Commerce Center of China
- KTNET or Korea Trade Network
- SNS or Singapore Network Services
- TRADELINK or TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Limited of Hong Kong, SAR
- TRADE-VAN or TRADE-VAN information Services Chinese Taipei

Japan's TEDI Project to Join Forces With Pan-Asian
E-Commerce Alliance to Promote International E-Commerce

SINGAPORE, 20 April 2001 - A delegation of TEDI (Trade Electronic Data Interchange) from Japan met the five members of the Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance during the fourth Steering Committee Meeting in Hong Kong.

The Japanese delegates demonstrated to the Pan-Asian Alliance members how the new TEDI system was designed to replace most of the paper documents that are required for the movement of goods e.g. Bills of Lading. Substantial work in key areas such as the legal framework, trusted third parties, encryption and digital signatures have been done. TEDI intends to collaborate with the Pan-Asian Alliance members to bring the project to fruition.

Mr. Justin Yue, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Alliance, commented on the prospect of the new cooperative from Japan, "I am sure the alliance will continue to be a powerful magnet that attracts more partners, and we will continue to work actively with our partners to make Asia a leading electronic commerce hub."

Looking forward to heightened e-commerce activities in the region, Mr V Mathivanan, CEO of SNS, said, "Japan is an important country for the realization of virtual cross-border trading, given the high volume of trading activities within Asia."

The Pan-Asian Alliance comprises five e-commerce service providers: Infoshare Information Technology Development Co (China), Korea Trade Network (KTNET), Singapore Network Services Pte Ltd (SNS), TRADE-VAN Information Services Co (Taiwan) and TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Ltd (Hong Kong).

During the quarterly Steering Committee Meeting on 18 and 19 April 2001, hosted by TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Limited, significant progress was reported by the working groups in the following areas:

1. Secure cross-border transaction services: Ready to test for secure document exchanges based on agreed cross-border transaction test plan; commence commercial/operations study for rollout in 2002

2. Mutual Recognition of Public Key Infrastructure: Develop Alliance Certificate Policy as the basis for mutual recognition of members' keys upon engaging a consultancy firm, and to confirm a technical and operational solution to support the mutually recognised keys

3. Pan-Asian portal: Proposed portal framework with initial focus on trader directory adopted; to further agree on detailed specifications and business model for rollout in latter half of 2001

The Steering Committee has also resolved to set up two new working groups. The first group will concentrate on the development of services to enable shippers, forwarders, logistics service providers and carriers in the region to conduct end-to-end tracking of cargoes and consignments handled by multi-modal transport. The second group will explore the TEDI initiative on its practicability.

Korea and China join Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance
Mutual recognition of PKI ensure interconnectivity and interoperability among all member countries including Singapore, Hongkong and Taiwan for secure e-commerce transactions

SINGAPORE, 11 JANUARY 2001 - Korea Trade Network (KTNET) and Infoshare Information Technology Development Co (IITD), a subsidiary of China International Electronic Commerce Centre, signed an agreement today to join the three founding members of the Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance. This initiative to facilitate trade documentation and streamline workflow across countries will see more markets connected to one another, giving the region's economy a further boost in e-commerce.

The first regional e-commerce alliance in Asia was formed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 5 July 2000 in Hongkong by three e-commerce service providers: Singapore Network Services Pte Ltd (SNS), TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Ltd (Hongkong) and TRADE-VAN Information Services Co (Taiwan).

The establishment of this cross-border partnership drew wide interest among other Asian neighbours, leading to the addition of two additional members. China and Korea have joined the alliance's steering and working committees, to work towards the development of secured and trusted cross-border transactions.

"It has been only six months since the idea of a Pan-Asian E-Commerce Alliance was mooted. I am very pleased that we have already grown to five members. I am sure the formation of the Alliance will continue to be a powerful magnet that attracts more new members and business partners," said Mr Justin Yue, Chief Executive Officer of TRADELINK and Chairman of the Alliance."

Businesses trading across these countries can look forward to: less paper work in document submission and cross-border trade approvals; ready acceptance of cross-border certification policy; more secured transactions over the web, time and cost savings in dealing with the Alliance as a single point of contact. A pilot run will take place in the first quarter of 2002.

"For the business community in Singapore which deals with cross border trading , this is another step forward to doing businesses with ease and efficiency not just within Singapore, but across the region," said Mr V Mathivanan, Chief Executive Officer of SNS and host of the 3rd committee meeting.

During the 3rd steering committee meeting held in Singapore on 8 and 9 January 2001 and hosted by SNS, significant progress were reported by the Working Group in the following areas:

1. Secure cross-border transaction services

The committee endorsed the Working Group's recommendation on documentation format, connectivity and address routing approach. This means document exchange of packing list and invoices, among others, will be smooth and secured, enabling the user to apply for permits electronically in participating countries with ease. Currently, any trade-related document across the borders are filed by hard copy, and transacted via mail or fax.

2. Mutual recognition of public key infrastructure (PKI)

A study towards the setting up of a Certificate Policy Authority will be commissioned as a framework for the mutual recognition of PKI. An infrastructure to support both end-to-end digital signatures as well as digital signatures between the service providers will
also be set up. A Singapore logistics company, for example, will be able to file document claims electronically through SNS to its shipping company in Korea through KTNET, with the necessary authentication, encryption and digital certification that are recognized and accepted by both local government authorities.

"In establishing the Working Groups under the policy of the Pan Asian E-Commerce Alliance, we look forward to setting up an infrastructure of 'security, quality and efficiency' to improve clients' competitiveness," said Dr Jenn-Nan Chen, President of TRADE-VAN.

3. Establishment of Pan-Asian portal

A business portal is being developed by the Alliance. The initial phase of the portal will promote connectivity between buyers from overseas with customers of the Alliance members through the consolidation of key customer information including products and
services.

"Think of it as a virtual business park. Apart from trading, the portal will provide ready information and leads on businesses for businesses in the Asia Pacific. Web features such as information searches, credit rating of businesses, e-commerce channels will also be made available to any user. We are confident that we will see a high traffic of businesses seeking out partnerships and various deals through the Alliance's portal," said Mr Mathivanan.

With the implementation of the Pan-Asian Alliance projects in 2002, the five partners can expect to see a surge in the number of transactions, which currently run into tens of thousands every day. Total membership of the parties exceeds 115,000 organizations,
representing almost every company in the trading community of the five markets. Currently, SNS has 25,000 members, TRADELINK 53,000, TRADE-VAN 15,000, KTNET 12,000, and IITD has 10,000.

"The true Pan-Asian marketplace is yet to be. With the Alliance formation, and the potential for it to grow to include other countries, we will see the realization of that dream," added Mr Mathivanan.

Hong Kong Allies with Singapore and Taiwan to form First Regional e-Commerce Alliance in Asia
Tripartite MOU to look into creation of Pan-Asia Portal

Hong Kong, 5 July 2000 - The first regional e-commerce alliance in Asia, connecting the markets of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore was formed today with the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between three government-backed e-commerce facilitators: TRADELINK Electronic Commerce Ltd. of Hong Kong, Singapore Network Services Pte. Ltd., and TRADE-VAN Information Services Co. of Taiwan.

The MOU covers the following key initiatives:
1. The mutual recognition of digital certificates issued by their Certificate Authorities for use in electronic documents exchanged among its members.
2. The cross-boarder marketing and interconnecting of services to create a pan-Asian portal.
3. Staff exchange programme to share experience and strenghten understanding and co-operation among the parties.

"There has always been a significant volume of trade among Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore," said Mr. Justin Yue, Chief Executive Officer of TRADELINK. "We believe that by facilitating communications between our members, this alliance will stimulate greater financial and time efficiencies and improve security for electronic commerce between our members."

"It is hoped that the interconnection of the three networks will create a one-stop shop for completing trade document exchanges," said Dr. Ray Yang, President of TRADE-VAN. "In addition, security will improve with mutual recognition of each part's digital certificates with electronic keys."

"As leading ASPs in their own country, the three parties bring to the alliance their strengths and wealth of experience and expertise where the sum of the part is greater than the whole . This will help to leapfrog the development of e-commerce in Asia," said Mr. V. Mathivanan, Chief Executive Officer of SNS.

"When the Pan-Asia portal is ready, businesses can look forward to a virtual business park where they can tap on information, do checks on potential partners in Asia through information searches and credit rating of businesses, and then connect and communicate with prospects in one place," he added.

Workgroups comprising marketing and technical members of the three companies have been formed to look into the development and implementation of the initiatives.

The three e-commerce networks are already handling tens of thousand transactions everyday in the region. The total current membership of the parties exceeds 90,000 organisations, representing almost every company in the trading community of the three markets. Currently TRADELINK has 51,000 members, SNS has 25,000 and TRADE-VAN 14,000.
The three parties are confident that the MOU will serve as a powerful magnet strengthening ties between members in each market, and between the three markets. With importers, exporters and shipping companies, banks and insurance companies now linked to an intergrated arena of electronic commerce, all of their members look set to benefit.
The gain of the alliance should not be limited to the three markets. Ultimately the potential is there to connect all major Asian markets.