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Asian Sources, the publishing company previously known as Asian Sources Media, yesterday unveiled a new corporate identity and strategy, positioning itself as a provider of electronic commerce.

 The company also unveiled its new private-buyer catalogue service, which provides private Web pages for merchandising operations.

 The company's vice-president of electronic business development, Howard Finger, said the new service integrated sellers and buyers into one arena.

 He said this could potentially improve the competitiveness of Hong Kong exporters.

 'The very biggest importers and retailers control a disproportionate share of the total import volume - for example, Wal-Mart buys about 2 per cent of all Asian exports of consumer merchandise,' he said.

 'To stay competitive, these retailers and importers need to find new products and source that meet their needs.'  A number of large groups had signed commitments to use the service for their purchasing needs, including Australian retailer Coles Myer and US-based Tandy Corp and Toys 'R' Us, Mr Finger said.

 Asian Sources, he said, would act as the conduit between the two parties.

 At one end, Asian Sources maintains contact with the buying departments of leading retailers and then updates manufacturers on their up-coming needs as required.

 The manufacturers can then update their on-line catalogues held through Asian Sources to meet the requests.

 Mr Finger cited a client's recent request for Halloween gift items as an example.

 'It's a big opportunity for these small manufacturers to finally be able to match their marketing efforts with the immediate demand,' he said.

 Mr Finger said some of the purchasing clients have forwarded lists of their regular manufacturers to Asian Sources to persuade them to join the on-line network.

 He said: 'The private-buyer catalogues simplifies the ability for these buyers to locate new and alternative suppliers and products while cutting the costs of doing so.'  At the moment, Asian Sources charges the manufacturer only for listing its products on the catalogues.

 'Eventually, we'll want to get involved in the transaction,' Mr Finger said.

 The entire service should be up and running by the end of the year, he said.



Asian Sources strategy shifts to electronic-commerce provider