Tag: access

Trade Point

Special Programme for Trade Efficiency/Global Trade Point Network

UNCTAD launched the Trade Point Programme in 1992. Its main objective is to facilitate access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to international markets, in particular using the most up-to-date technologies in electronic commerce. Through the electronically interconnected network of Trade Points in many countries of the world, SMEs can gain access to the latest information and telecommunication technologies and services, make their products known to potential customers and find business partners in other countries and from countries with economies in transition – in international trade.

Access to International Trade

DESKTOP ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE

metaLAB produced a feasibility study for the UK Dept of Business, Innovation and Trade (then SITPRO) on desktop access to international trade by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We also outlined the design requirements for an XML based approach. ElecTra was the early manifestation of such an XML service. It allowed UK traders to complete and verify their trading documentation on-line. They could  have these official UN documents communicated without delay by computer (EDI or Internet), or by paper, to the appropriate authorities, notably Customs, across the world.

This approach has now become the basis of the UN’s eDOCs system. (UNeDocs UK is the national implementation of UNeDocs).

National Accessibility Portal (NAP)

The National Accessibility Portal (NAP) is a five-year research & development project aimed at addressing the marginalisation of people with disabilities from the mainstream economy and society. The project was conceptualised and developed by the CSIR in partnership with a representative group of Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) and the Office on the Status of Disabled Persons (OSDP) in the Presidency.

Approximately 4 million people in South Africa are disabled and access to information, services and the ability to effectively communicate is a key need. Significant technological challenges exist in making services accessible to people with different forms of disabilities in an affordable way. Existing devices and software that allow people with disabilities to interact with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems are prohibitively expensive and have not been designed with South African context in mind. Technical challenges that are being tackled include; research and development in Text-to-Sign-Language, support for South African Languages, development of quality Open Source technologies including Text-To-Speech screen reader and measures to enable DPOs to operate the portal. The Institute will also explore R&D collaboration with South African Universities and Industry as well as partnering with International peers in Europe and the developing world.