3.6 E- Commerce Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has tremendous growth opportunities for businesses in Lesotho. Foremostly, it enables local businesses to have access to potential markets throughout the world. E-commerce also reduces the barriers to entry for small and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) as it lowers overhead and marketing costs. 3.6.1 Policy Objectives and Strategies The successful integration of e-commerce in Lesotho is also dependent upon the level of trust and confidence businesses and consumers have in the digital environment. To build this trust, Government is committed to clarifying marketplace rules and enacting necessary cyber laws to support e-commerce. Objectives The objectives of e-commerce are to: • Encourage new business development in the area of e-commerce. • Promote awareness among the private sector on the importance and benefits of ecommerce to sector growth. • Create a conducive climate that will facilitate the productivity and global competitiveness of the private sector. • Develop a transparent, stable and effective legal and fiscal operating environment to promote online commercial transactions. • Protect the interests of all participants in e-commerce. Strategies • Develop laws and regulations to govern electronic commerce and trade at national, regional and international levels. • Cultivate a culture of e-commerce in the country, which supports electronic business transactions. ICT Policy for Lesotho 40