In a first-of-a-kind partnership with Australia Post, the Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian businesses tap into China’s multi-billion dollar eCommerce market by providing access to buyers through China’s leading online sales platform, Tmall.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis joined former Victorian Premier and President of the Australia China Business Council, John Brumby, Alibaba’s Deputy General Manager Maggie Zhou and Australia Post Executive General Manager Andrew Walduck to make the announcement at a roundtable event today.
Tmall, owned and operated by the Alibaba Group, is an online marketplace that allows businesses to sell their products directly to consumers in China without the expenses associated with international travel or having a regional retail presence.
Last financial year Tmall sales were up 68 per cent on the previous year, exceeding $170 billion dollars. The Chinese eCommerce market is the world’s largest, with an estimated 649 million internet users spending more than $250 billion dollars each year.
A memorandum of understanding was signed at a roundtable event to explore options to help Victorian businesses maximise on the opportunities available in China through Tmall.
This deal will be a game-changer for Victorian businesses, allowing local business owners and operators to engage with China’s key buyers without worrying about supply chain logistics, translations and customer service.
The roundtable was followed by the day-long ‘eCommerce in China’ seminar delivered as part of the Victorian Invitation Program, the state’s flagship inbound trade mission currently running through March.
The seminar gave more than 200 local and international attendees the opportunity to interact with keynote-speakers from some of Australia and the world’s largest companies including Alibaba, Australia Post, StarTrack, National Australia Bank and PwC.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“This is a game-changer for Victorian businesses, particularly those in rural and regional areas, as it will allow them to participate in a ‘virtual trade mission’ and sell their products direct to consumers in the world’s largest economy, without leaving their homes.”
“This innovative platform is the way of the future for boosting Australia’s exports and the Labor Government is making sure Victoria doesn’t miss out.”
Quotes attributable to Australia Post Executive General Manager Andrew Walduck
“Demand for quality Australian products is unlocking a world of opportunity for local businesses wanting to grow into China.”
“Australia Post’s partnership with Tmall and the Victorian Government has made it easier than ever for local businesses to access to more than 300 million new customers through Tmall.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020