Asian ecommerce has received a boost after a deal has been struck between Alibaba, Malaysia’s Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Hangzhou Municipal Government. They have collectively agreed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to connect so called “e-hubs” under the Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP).
The idea is build infrastructure for easier cross-border ecommerce trading between Malaysia and China. They have agreed to cooperate to allow quicker and easier access to customs and streamline the issuing of permits to SMEs.
Prime Minister of Malaysia said: “Fostering closer partnership with China is imperative to sustaining our economic growth, and e-business and commerce is clearly the future of global trade. It is therefore exciting to witness the forming of a partnership between government and reputable private enterprises, who will work together to lay the foundation for a more efficient conduct of cross-border trade in the internet age, to the benefit of all.”
Jack Ma of Alibaba said: “Ecommerce is becoming increasingly globalized and it is transforming the way commerce is conducted. With the creation of eWTP, we and partners will build the infrastructure to empower SMEs and young entrepreneurs to succeed in this era of data technology. Today’s announcement has opened up a gateway to global success for small businesses in the two countries. It is our hope that more and more countries and SMEs around the world will benefit from a more level playing field.”
