Asian Trader Inc. Signs Electronic Commerce Strategic Alliance Agreement with the Taiwan Importers and Exporters Chamber of Commerce.

Business Editors

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2000

Asian Trader Inc. ("Asian-Trader.com"), which operates the Web portal Asian-Trader.com, the world's first international online integrated commerce platform that allows U.S. resellers to procure Asian products at manufacturer-direct pricing, announced that it has entered into a strategic e-commerce cooperation MOU with the Taiwan Importers and Exporters Chamber of Commerce ("TIEC").

Under the terms of the MOU, TIEC and Asian-Trader.com will cooperate in the development of electronic commerce in Taiwan. Initially, TIEC, through its network of 20 branches in Taiwan, will assist Asian-Trader.com in the marketing of its e-commerce platform to its existing membership base, which comprises 3,000 of Taiwan's largest manufacturers.

"We are excited about our new alliance with Asian-Trader.com, our key Internet gateway to the U.S. market," said Chang Ching-Fang, Chairman of TIEC.

TIEC, founded in 1953 under the direction of the Taiwanese government, is Taiwan's largest trade association. Its current membership base includes such prominent firms as the President Group, one of Taiwan's largest conglomerates, as well as Taiwan-listed Standard Chemical & Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical group and joint ventures with Ciba-Geigy and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer.

TIEC has a 20-branch network located in most major cities and counties throughout Taiwan to service its members. TIEC's mission and services include:

--   assisting the Taiwanese government in the promotion and
     implementation of trade policies as well as related regulations;

--   helping its members conduct research and develop international
     export markets;

--   helping its members settle trade disputes between themselves;

--   organizing international trade delegations and sponsoring trade
     development activities; and

--   developing and maintaining strategic contact with overseas
     counterpart trade organizations.

Asian-Trader operates the world's first integrated Internet commerce hub. Utilizing advanced Internet technologies, the Asian-Trader.com platform offers seamless front-end as well as back-end commerce applications and superior customer service. With a wide base of high-quality Asian OEM manufacturers, Asian-Trader offers its "buyer" members a diverse range of high quality consumer goods at manufacturer-direct prices.

Asian-Trader has offices in the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Malaysia. For more information on Asian-Trader.com, visit its Web site at http://www.asian-trader.com.