Magazines Archives - 2008 October

Alibaba.com eases SMEs’ access to Chinese buyers
Story 8 - Ecommerce

CHINA-BASED Alibaba.com has launched a beta version of its new Export-to-China scheme on its portal to allow small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to sell directly to the Chinese. Over 1,600 companies have signed up for it.

The group credited the emerging middle class, currency boost and government initiatives for the nation’s burgeoning demand for imports.

“Chinese buyers are not just looking for luxury goods, natural resources and high-end machinery, they are also interested in more basic items such as F&B, home supplies and health-andbeauty products. Alibaba.com can help equalise the trade imbalance by connecting domestic buyers with international suppliers and promoting imports into China,” David Wei, CEO of Alibaba.com, maintained.

Currently, international member suppliers are provided with a virtual storefront in Chinese on the portal, in addition to member access to professional translation services and promotion at over 40 major annual trade events in the country. With the Export-to-China programme, current members will also receive a free trial for a limited period.

“Until now, foreign companies have found it difficult to break into the Chinese market because of language and cultural barriers, and the high cost of developing a new market and setting up a sales network. Export-to-China is a cost-effective tool to help SMEs enter the ... market quickly and access a huge pool of potential buyers,” Wei rationalised. US-based provider of automotive oil and fuel, Bell Performance Inc, is one company that appreciates this “direct channel” to Chinese buyers.

Gene Rumley, its international marketing manager, stated: “In a time of rising fuel costs and increasing pollution, China represents a huge business opportunity for our company. Our range of fuel- and oil-treatment products helps to reduce the running and maintenance costs of automobiles, trucks and boats s well as lowers pollution levels in industrial power plants. As an Alibaba. com TrustPass member, we have had great success finding new customers around the world.”

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