The biggest e-commerce company in the world is interested in partnering with Fiji to bring better services to the people and the region.

The Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism Shaheen Ali and Trade commissioner to China, Yolinda Chan met with executives of Alibaba Group to discuss the possibility of introducing online payment and trading platforms in Fiji.

“The Chinese business community and travelers are adapted and more comfortable using electronic and mobile payment platform, such as Alipay, which is popular in China and has over 520 million active users.

“Mobile phone penetration in Fiji is approximately 105 per cent of which 60-70 per cent are smart phone users.

“Hence, the introduction of platforms, such as Alipay and Fliggy, which is an online platform for travelers for booking of tickets, hotel, cars and so on would be practical and efficient,” said Mr Ali.

“To provide Chinese consumers and travelers the familiarity, convenience and seamless payment experience would boost trade and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

“We are in the initial stages of discussions with Alibaba to consider launching the many online platforms offered by Alibaba, which includes travel and tourism, logistics, virtual shops and import-export in Fiji.

“This will also enable the micro, small and medium enterprises to have a level playing field against the larger operators.

“It will assist in bridging the technology gap.

“In addition, the idea by Alibaba to introduce Fijian made pavilion on the Toaboa and Tmall platform, will enable, especially MSMEs to sell their products directly to the Chinese consumers,” added Mr Ali.

The Permanent Secretary, thanked the group for their invitation and hospitality and encouraged further exploration of opportunity with Alibaba, especially in the use of smart solutions to enhance the economic links between Fiji and China.

About Alibaba Group:

Alibaba Group was established in 1999 by 18 people led by Jack Ma, a former English teacher from Hangzhou, China. From the outset, the company’s founders shared a belief that the internet would level the playing field by enabling small enterprises to leverage innovation and technology to grow and compete more effectively in the domestic and global economies.

Since launching its first website helping small Chinese exporters, manufacturers and entrepreneurs to sell internationally, Alibaba Group has grown into a global leader in online and mobile commerce. Today the company and its related companies operate leading wholesale and retail online marketplaces as well as businesses in cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, innovation initiatives and others.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj