Alibaba to connect Canadian SMEs with Chinese consumers

China based Alibaba Group, the largest retail commerce company in the world in terms of gross merchandise volume, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Canadian government. The declaration aims at strengthening efforts to promote trade between Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses and Chinese consumers, and expand the two-way flow of goods.

The two sides will strategise on how to use e-commerce to stimulate trade, with opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized exporters, as per the agreement signed in presence of Alibaba Group executive chairman Jack Ma and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau at Alibaba Group’s head office in Hangzhou.

The agreement empowers the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and Alibaba to work together to expand the two-way flow of goods, services and people.

“Today, I am pleased we are formalising our efforts to have Alibaba serve as the gateway to China for Canadian businesses of all sizes,” Ma said. “Our agreements today represent a great opportunity for Canada and for China. It is a new chapter in our future together.”

“Today is a very good day for Canadian businesses. They now have a permanent e-home on the world’s biggest online shopping site - Alibaba - and with it, the ability to reach over 400 million Chinese consumers. There is significant potential for further business development with Alibaba, which would encourage Chinese tourism to Canada, create jobs at home and strengthen our middle-class,” said Trudeau.

During the ceremony, Ma and Trudeau launched the Canadian Pavilion on Alibaba’s shopping platform, Tmall Global. The Canadian Pavilion makes it possible for Canadian businesses—large and small—to directly reach Chinese consumers. It was launched with more than 30 businesses participating, selling more than 100 products. It will feature special promotions for unique Canadian products, including apparel.