Smart use of e-commerce now is likely to have long-term benefits
SA can find a balance between support for small businesses, the need for jobs and health risks posed by business models
05 May 2020 - 14:37
There is much concern over trade & industry minister Ebrahim Patel’s argument that unfettered e-commerce would be seen as “unfair competition” and put pressure on the government to open other stores, increasing activity and risk.
But the focus on unfair competition between e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores is misplaced. The department should rather take the opportunity to support e-commerce in a risk-adjusted strategy to open up the economy, which has the potential for long-run benefits...
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