General Electric Appliances distributors from across the Middle East recently met in Dubai for a two-day seminar on electronic commerce with GE through the company's new online CustomerNET web site, sales training and investment in innovative new products.

"GE is a leader in e-commerce in the home appliances industry," said Wassim Ghali, GE Appliances regional manager, Middle East and Africa. "Our key partners in the region have been electronically placing and tracking orders with us for more than a decade. Now, with GE CustomerNet, they can manage their businesses and serve consumers better through GE's friendly web site."

According to Olivier Van Houtte, director of marketing and product management, GE Appliances Europe, GE's e-business volume will approach $3 billion this year, more than 50 per cent of total revenues.

Distributors from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan attended the conference.