platform was adopted by a major e-service provider, an on-line sales organisation called CyberEmporium is using the platform to help shoppers prepare for the coming of the year 2000.

Shoppers are reported to be flocking to the Internet in huge numbers to stock up for the last Christmas of this millennium and the first New Year Eve party of the next. Gifts and drinks are being bought on-line well in advance, so that the months of December and January are kept free.

CyberEmporium Director Ross Clarke said that among the most popular items being purchased are fitness and health products, electrical goods, and European and New World wines.

"The signs are'' Mr. Clarke said, "that Christmas and New Year this time around are going to be one big party. Preparations have been in hand for some time, and with just two months to go, the shopping traffic is speeding up.'' CyberEmporium (http:/cyberemporium.asia4sale.com) is an online shopping mall, where internet shoppers can buy top-range products direct from Asian warehouses with greater cost savings and convenience.

"Our shoppers have the ability to order direct from Asian manufacturers and have the goods, many of which are just not available in the West, delivered to their homes,'' Mr. Clarke said.

The secure on-line credit card payment system being used by CyberEmporium is operated by First Ecom, an on-line credit card processor, in conjunction with the Bank of Bermuda.

CyberEmporium works in a different way to other e-commerce, with shoppers placing their orders, through CyberEmporium, directly with the manufacturers' warehouse in Asia. Goods are then forwarded by courier service anywhere in the world.

"E-commerce is growing at a phenonemal pace,'' said David Wallen, co-director of CyberEmporium. "Shoppers worldwide are leaving the shopping trolley in the supermarket and buying from the comfort of their homes instead -- and at lower prices.'' CyberEmporium is a franchise of Asia4Sale, a wholly-owned Asian subsidiary of ZiaSun Technologies Inc of the United States, and a joint-marketing arrangement with Cable & Wireless HKT IMS, the largest ISP in Hong Kong.