INTERNATIONAL The main force behing this revolution in international business is the computerized global communications net, known as Internet. One of the first attempts to utilize this technology is the Net of Global Business Sites, which will serve as a link between producers and salesforces around the world.
The Net of Global Business Sites includes both public and private sectors, in order to provide its users with up-to-date information on the six key areas of international business: customs, banking and insurance, transportation, business and company information, facts on countries' commercial practices, and telecommunications.
The United Nations' long term strategy is to use this net as an initial step towards the creation of more efficient customs systems in every country. This, however, demands that big changes be made in government systems, which have not kept pace with technology.
There are presently 120 business sites around the world, gathering information from more than 1,200 related organizations.
Guatemala's Business Site will be available starting in July. This site includes almost all of the commercial Chambers and Guilds, the Guatemalan Turism Institute, and the Permanent Products, Businesses, and Services Fair of Guatemala, which enables any company or organization to promote its products and services in a "virtual" page of the country's catalog and an electronic product directory.
Businessmen of the future or creatures in danger of extinction? What we can conclude is that business will change, and those who are prepared to face the challenge of the future will have more chance of surviving in an increasingly competitive environment. Whoever does not adapt to the change, is in danger of following the fate of the dinosaurs.
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