Alibaba sees business potential in Russia
Updated: 2015-06-22 11:24
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
|
Russia's President Vladimir Putin (Left) and Alibaba Group Founder and Head Jack Ma at a working dinner with heads of the largest foreign companies and business associations as part of the 19th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. [Photo/IC] |
"Although we have only one employee working in Russia, Aliexpress managed to become the No 1 most-visited e-commerce website in the country," Ma told Xinhua.
Launched in 2010, Aliexpress allows smaller buyers around the world to buy small quantities of goods at wholesale prices.
Aliexpress' rapid expansion in Russia proves the huge potential and consumer demand for e-commerce in the country, Ma said.
The company is planning to invest more in human resources and technology in order to expand businesses in Russia, and help Russian enterprises to sell their products to China and other parts of the world, Ma said.
Ma was in Russia to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from Thursday to Saturday. He talked to Russian officials on different issues concerning e-commerce.
"We discussed the future development of e-commerce with the Communications Ministry, with the Economic Development Ministry; we talked about the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as the whole Russian market; we also had discussions with the Russian Post on how to make the quickest cross-border delivery from China to Russia," Ma specified.
He expressed the hope that the development of e-commerce in Russia could bring more opportunities for SMEs and improve the relevant infrastructure.
As one of the most successful e-commerce company in China, Alibaba could share with its Russian partners its experience in operation and management, particularly in e-commerce and Internet development, Ma said.
Noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin urged at the forum to liberalize the economy and open up the market, Ma said there are opportunities for both Russian enterprises and Chinese companies.
"The Big Data era, alongside the Internet revolution, brings challenges and opportunities to every country. It is time for developing and underdeveloped countries and regions to catch up," Ma said.
Ma believes the development of e-commerce is one way to change the current global trade system into a more transparent and open one.
Developing countries, especially their SMEs, should enjoy the benefits of economic globalization, said Ma.
As he sees it, China's Belt and Road initiative could help break trade barriers along the routes in a very efficient way and bring tangible benefits to every participating nation.
This initiative could also lead to the idea of building a "cyber Silk Road," promoting the Internet and e-commerce in countries along the routes, Ma said.
Related Stories
Social Security Fund takes stake in Ant 2015-06-19 07:23
Alibaba set for streaming launch 2015-06-16 14:08
China to become largest cross-border e-commerce market by 2020: report 2015-06-16 21:50
Net giants make inroads in movies 2015-06-17 07:07
Ant Financials secures investment from social security fund 2015-06-18 16:53
Alibaba, Foxconn fund Softbank's robotics company 2015-06-18 17:19
Today's Top News
Why thousands of Chinese are migrating to Europe every year
European bank seeks to combine strength with AIIB
Alibaba sees business potential in Russia
Visa process for Chinese traveling through Europe streamlined
Grexit risk hikes
The most costly cities for expats
China, Russia sign railway deal
No mistreatment of GSK sleuth: Govt
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |
Conca set to return to China |