The number of e-commerce dealers in China has currently hit 20 million, according to sources with the China Electronic Commerce Association (CECA).

Song Ling, head with the association, said people engaged in e-commerce in China range from CEOs with millions of dollars' sales to individuals operating on-line stores that may only conduct one or two sales in a year.

"The number of 20 million, however, images electronic commerce as a burgeoning sector in China," said Song, who made the remarks at the China e-commerce dealers conference, which was held Sunday at Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province.

"Except for playing on-line games and news browsing, the Internet is vital for promoting e-commerce as a brand-new pattern of business transactions in China." Song noted.

The year 2005 is the 10th year since the Internet was first used for commerce in China. "Currently, China should step up its building of an e-commerce credibility system in an effort to ensure a healthy and harmonious development of the sector," Song said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2005)