To expand customer base.
Alibaba Group is taking another step in its global strategy as it meets with key Australian and New Zealand stakeholders to advance its local operations and ability to reach international consumers.
Alibaba Group president, Michael Evans (pictured), who leads the international growth strategy, will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington as part of a roadshow that will educate companies on how they can use Alibaba Group’s various platforms as a gateway to China and other international markets.
“We believe the international growth opportunity for Alibaba Group is enormous. ANZ is one of our key markets and a stronger presence here will advance our global goal of serving two billion consumers, while supporting tens of millions of small businesses, brands and retailers across the world,” Evans explained.
According to Alibaba Group, Australian and New Zealand products are thriving on its Tmall Global site but there is still huge potential for growth, due to Chinese consumers’ growing demand for quality products coupled with the trusted reputations of both countries.
Currently, there are 1,300 Australian brands on Tmall and Tmall Global combined, 80% of which entered China for the first time through these platforms.
“In Australia and New Zealand, Alibaba Group is best known for its e-commerce platforms, which are backed by our infrastructural support in areas of payment, cloud, digital entertainment and travel logistics. These services give companies the tools they need to access international consumers, while at the same time improving the experience of consumers who want to shop globally,” he added.
Alibaba will open an ANZ office in Melbourne in the latter half of 2016. Local operations will be led by managing director, Maggie Zhou, and benefit from the experience of business development director, John O ‘Loghlen, and director of corporate affairs and marketing, James Hudson.
“With a local office and expanded team, we will be well-positioned to support Australian and New Zealand merchants already on our platforms, as well as new merchants looking to expand into China. We have an active consumer base of 423 million across our China retail platforms where they have access to authentic and quality products from countries around the world. By working together with brands and retailers, we want to be an enabling force for local businesses and entrepreneurs striving for success,” Zhou said.