Taipei, June 15 (CNA) The e-commerce sector in Taiwan has been growing and is expected to reach a market value of NT$660 billion (US$22.07 billion)this year, the economics ministry said Friday.

Last year, the industry recorded a market value of NT$560 billion and it has continued to expand, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Sheng-chung said at a promotional event for a series of forums aimed at encouraging people to create their own businesses.

He said his ministry will help achieve balanced development in the various regions of Taiwan, despite the fact that the country’s economy and export market in the first quarter of the year were affected by the European debt crisis and slow growth of the American and Chinese economies.

As part of its efforts to boost economic activities and improve employment, the ministry’s Department of Commerce is holding a series of forums to highlight issues such as online shop operation, international business expansion, e-commerce marketing, brand establishment and virtual business services.

At the forums that will start June 20, founders of successful domestic brands are expected to share their experience and encourage more people to follow in their footsteps.

(By Huang Chiao-wen and Maia Huang)
ENDITEM /pc