Strategic plans for a diverse supplier network
and enhanced trade opportunities unveiled
GENEVA, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alibaba.com, a
leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce
and a unit of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, today
honored businesses in their pursuit of success and global growth
ahead of Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) Day on
June 27. Reaffirming its dedication
to supporting MSMEs, Alibaba.com said it has been rolling out
artificial intelligence (AI) tools for global suppliers, which have
so far attracted adoption by around 30,000 businesses on its
platform.
This year's MSME Day marks the seventh anniversary of the United
Nations' designation to recognize the vital role played by MSMEs in
achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the
contributions of MSMEs to the global economy. On this meaningful
occasion, Kuo Zhang, President of
Alibaba.com, participated in a panel discussion on the topic of
global trade during the World Trade Organization's (WTO) bi-annual
Global Review of Aid for Trade. Together with four MSMEs from
Ethiopia, Vietnam, Italy and India, Zhang also joined a session held by the
United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) to celebrate MSME
Day.
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring that no MSMEs in
underdeveloped countries are left behind in the era of AI, Zhang
mentioned that among the top 20 countries making the most frequent
use of Alibaba.com's AI tools, approximately 10 are developing
countries.
"As a member of the private sector, we are honored to have
worked alongside international agencies such as ITC and supported
MSMEs worldwide over the past 25 years," said Zhang. "As we promote
wider adoption of our AI tools amongst MSMEs, we also hope to
expand our global supplier base to cover 100,000 suppliers in the
next three years. In a nutshell, we are building a global supply
chain by and for MSMEs leveraging AI."
MSMEs Embrace the Power of AI
A recent survey conducted by Alibaba.com of MSMEs that utilize
its platform showed that they are regularly seeking out innovative
solutions and offerings like AI. In fact, 25%-30% of the MSMEs
surveyed use AI on a daily basis.
On Alibaba.com alone, approximately 30,000 MSMEs globally are
using the platform's AI tools. As a result of leveraging these
tools, the companies surveyed saw a 37% increase in product
exposure, creating greater opportunity for new business deals and
growth. Additionally, those MSMEs surveyed that are already
utilizing Alibaba.com's AI tools are furthering their businesses
through AI's expertise, as they have collectively accepted 70% of
the optimization suggestions from the tools.
"Using AI has helped put my Alibaba.com store on autopilot and
saved us a lot of time since it's just me and one employee managing
our business," said Sieu To, Deputy Managing Director of Hanh Sanh
Co., Ltd, a Vietnam-based electric
fan company. "For many business owners who are new to e-commerce, I
think AI tools will draw them closer to the platform."
MSMEs Have Growing Access to Global Suppliers
In addition to a growing suite of innovative solutions to
support their businesses, MSMEs on Alibaba.com can diversify their
product sources by connecting with suppliers with specific industry
and product focuses. These key global digital supply chain clusters
include the following:
- In Northeast Asia, buyers can
connect with natural ingredient skin care suppliers out of Korea
and partner with home furniture and camera, photo and accessory
manufacturers in Japan.
- In Southeast Asia,
Vietnam is the supplier hub for
seasoning and condiments, as well as home and outdoor furniture.
Buyers can also seek out expert suppliers in India and Pakistan for loose gemstones and horse racing
gear.
- In West Asia and Europe, carpets, men's clothing and
construction and building machinery suppliers can be found in
Türkiye. Buyers are able to tap into suppliers in Germany for industrial machinery and suppliers
of wine, textile machinery and women's apparel from Italy.
"As one of the first Italian businesses on Alibaba.com's
platform, I have always had faith in our quality Italian
supplements products. Alibaba.com has helped me expand my business
beyond Europe into markets like
China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Ghana," said Maria
Francesca Aceti, CEO of Deltha Pharma.
Alibaba.com Expands Supplier Support in Developing
Countries
As Alibaba.com seeks to expand its supplier base, it is stepping
up its efforts to onboard suppliers in developing countries. Of
note, Alibaba.com is setting out to help 100 MSMEs across
Africa establish a presence on its
platform to sell their products globally. Additionally, of the 500
events and seminars Alibaba.com is rolling out this fiscal year
(April 2024 to March 2025) for global suppliers, about 300 are
set to be held in developing nations.
"Starting with brick-and-mortar and transitioning to e-commerce
has been a strategic journey for my business," said Dagmawit Abebe, owner of Ethiopian coffee brand
Kedemt Coffee. "Leveraging e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.com
has been crucial in overcoming local market challenges and
expanding our reach."
Alibaba.com connects more global MSMEs now than ever before,
serving more than 48 million buyers and more than 200,000 suppliers
on its platform worldwide. Alibaba.com will continue to place MSMEs
at the forefront through innovation and new solutions focused on
simplifying global sourcing and selling.
About the Survey:
In May 2024, Alibaba.com conducted
a survey of 500 businesses on Alibaba.com across the globe. These
businesses ranged in size from one employee to those with 250 or
more.
For more information on Alibaba.com and the report, please
visit:
https://seller.alibaba.com/playbooks/2024-msme-day-report-px002b6lu?categoryid=1239008
About Alibaba.com
Launched in 1999 as Alibaba Group's first business,
Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business
(B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200
countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services
covering all aspects of commerce, including providing businesses
with tools that help them reach a global audience for their
products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and
place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of
Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.
Media Contact
Lingnan
Cui
Alibaba International
cuilingnan.cln@alibaba-inc.com
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