[djvu9]

Though the end result is more or less something similar you are over simplifying the situation. IMO usually there are two major reasons that makes foreign companies hard to compete with locals: * Excessive regulations and sometimes special rules for foreign companies. But e-commerce is usually not the worst sector for this. * "Expertise" on how to deal with local laws. It is no secret local laws are usually selectively applied. Local companies have a lot more flexibility than foreign companies and they can do a lot of things that could create prohibitive legal liabilities for foreign companies if they even want to follow. For example, low wages and unhealthy work environments, unlawful marketing tactics, bribery and corruption etc.

I would argue the latter is the usual competitive advantages local companies have.