HSBC Malta launched its eCommerce service, targeted at business customers, which allows customers to sell goods or services over the Internet.

With HSBC's eCommerce solutions, businesses can confidently accept all major credit and debit cards, knowing that these payments are securely processed. As a result of HSBC's multi-currency processing capabilities in major currencies, businesses may be reassured when accepting payments from overseas customers.

Added benefits from HSBC's eCommerce include immediate payments for goods or services. This also greatly reduces a business' cost base.

"eCommerce is a fact of life for business in today's world," James Dunbar Cousin, HSBC Malta head of commercial banking, said. "Online payments for goods and services give Maltese businesses a far wider sales distribution, which in turn translates into increased competitiveness and sales. HSBC's e-commerce solutions make it the best place to do business," he added.

No costs are incurred on opening an HSBC eCommerce Merchant Account. For more information about HSBC's eCommerce contact your relationship manager or customer service on 2380-2380. One may also visit www.hsbc.com.mt.

Dr Gatt said that for businesses to adopt eCommerce as a way of operation there must be the necessary environment and structures in place. Government can provide the necessary political direction and provide the vision. It is important that the country's other sectors attune themselves to the requirements of the business community to be able to provide eCommerce.

We have to stop thinking of eCommerce as buying online what you could have driven to your local shop to collect. The real added value is more complex and has the potential of creating business that so far does not exist. It takes a change in culture in our business community to realise this potential. HSBC coming aboard is a good push for that culture change.