Alibaba and China Shipping Group joined forces to establish a new logistic platform that enhances the efficiency of international trade and benefits both Chinese and Brazilian companies when it’s fully operational.
In July, Alibaba, China Shipping Network Technology (CSNT) and China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL), two subsidiaries of China Shipping Group, announced they would build an integrated platform for international shipping.
The joint company, named Yihaitong, went live online on Sept. 18 and will be in charge of operations for the e-shipping platform, according to China Daily USA.
Clients can use the platform for online logistic price inquiries, ordering, settlements and goods tracking. It is the first e-shipping program that covers both land and sea transportation.
Alibaba is expected to contribute its online operating team and promote the platform to its customers, while China Shipping will guarantee shipping space and related logistical services.
The companies did not reveal the exact numbers of the investment. In an announcement in July by CSNT its trade with CSCL was less than $4.89 million.
Alibaba launched a Portuguese version of its ecommerce website AliExpress in July, with plans to enlarge its market share in Brazil.
In an effort to speed up shipping times, Alibaba partnered in July with Correios, Brazil’s state-owned postal service. It allows Brazilian traders to sell their products through AliExpress and Tmall, Alibaba’s retail website in China.
China Shipping established its South American branch this March in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to handle the rapidly developing trade between China and the region. The company now has three branch offices in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, with the business expanding to other countries including Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia.