Catalogue publisher Asian Sources plans to capture a greater share of the fast-growing electronic commerce market by launching a worldwide expansion strategy combining a multi-portal site with a global licensing plan.
Merle Hinrichs, founder, chairman and chief executive of Asian Sources, said the company would focus on building business-to-business trading communities as this would become the mainstream for global electronic transactions.
'Our mission is to be the essential infomediary and marketplace-maker for buyers and suppliers worldwide,' Mr Hinrichs said.
Citing independent research firm Forrester Research, Mr Hinrichs said global transactions executed through the Internet would increase four to fivefold in the next two to three years.
As part of the company's global expansion plan, Asian Sources yesterday launched its new multi-portal e-commerce site.
This bundles six other sites under Global Sources - including existing regional site Asian Sources Online and newly established sites such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Africa and Australia.
Newly appointed chief operating officer Craig Pepples said the new site was the first ever multi-portal site and was part of a plan to reposition the company as an e-commerce provider.