Jack Ma coaches African entrepreneurs

Jack Ma, the founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group gives lectures to young entrepreneurs in Nailab. [Photo by Liu Hongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

In the past, globalization benefited just 20 percent of the world — the developed countries and large enterprises. But future globalization should bring benefits to the remaining 80 percent, particularly by enabling small and medium-sized enterprises, he said.

"We believe Alibaba's ­experience in China can be applied globally, giving all SMEs the opportunity to participate and compete in a transparent and fair marketplace," Ma said. ­"Future economic globalization will allow consumers everywhere to access a truly global purchasing experience."