Business is moving to electronic commerce and Ireland must be ready if it is to attract investment.
Forfás, the agency that advises the government on industrial policy, has warned that Ireland must become a high-tech economy if it is to continue to attract investment.
Electronic commerce, it's the way of the future and Irish businesses need to get ready.
Forfás chief executive John Travers says future investment will largely be based on electronic or e-commerce and Ireland must put in place the necessary infrastructure if it is to build on the success of recent years. John Travers give the example of the book industry where more and more books are being sold online. He was speaking as Forfás launched its annual report for 1998.
Forfás say the key to preparing for this e-commerce explosion is investment in the country's telecommunications infrastructure and jobs skills.
Forfás has presented an action plan for e-commerce to Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment Mary Harney TD.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 August 1999. The reporter is Aoife Kavanagh.
