The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) eCommerce Strategy for 2022 – 2025 outlines a new blueprint that builds on previous efforts and provides policy direction to further eCommerce, both in the number of operators providing their goods and services online, and in the level of service offered.
Following the steady growth of global eCommerce over the years, and particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which acted as a catalyst for exceptional advancements in technology across various industries, this new eCommerce strategy is designed to leverage the Digital Malta Strategy to further strengthen the digital economy.
Through the action plan forming part of this strategy, the MCA aspires to continue building a regulatory framework that sustains the development of an open, fair and sustainable eCommerce-enabled ecosystem. This will be aided by awareness and education initiatives with a view to accelerate uptake, build capacity and encourage excellence.
This balanced approach is in line with a joint EU Directive (Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8th June 2000) on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce in the Internal Market (“the eCommerce Directive”), which the MCA manages and enforces in Malta.
The strategy takes into consideration the reality of today’s ever maturing market. On the other hand, not all sellers have maintained a common rhythm of improvement with some verticals experiencing significant growth whilst others lag behind for various reasons. This reality will be catered for by devising targeted initiatives based on the relevant audience’s needs to better address the market’s requirements.
Moreover, the strategy also acknowledges the need for an iterative approach to successful eCommerce adoption. In this regard, a cyclic growth model aimed to support sellers on a continuous basis has been put forward. This model will serve as a guide to scope the strategy’s work plan and support measures by promoting an on-going and incremental approach to technology implementation and processes refinement.
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