Container line ZIM has entered into what it calls a “broad strategic cooperation agreement” with Chinese ecommerce platform Alibaba, which will allow sellers to directly purchase sea freight and services with ZIM through a direct interface on Alibaba.com’s logistics platform.
The cooperation came into force earlier this year, the firms said, and has already proven beneficial for stakeholders by integrating ZIM’s global logistics delivery services into the sales process to improve overall system optimisation.
“As the world’s largest cross-border e-commerce B2B platform, Alibaba.com aims to build a global logistics network jointly with ZIM and other ecological partners and reshape global logistics industry standards,” said Kuo Zhang, General Manager of Alibaba.com.
“The strategic cooperation between ZIM and Alibaba.com will provide customers with stable, efficient and visible cross-border supply chain solutions, and provide strong support for the explosive growth of the global digital trade.”
The two companies expect that their successful experiences to date will see them evaluate additional options to expand their cooperation further.
“We are proud of this first cooperation with Alibaba.com, which is part and parcel of our innovative strategic vision. We see it as a great opportunity and a mutually beneficial arrangement leading to top-level customer service,” said Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO.
“It’s an important step for ZIM, expanding digital services for e-commerce customers as well as small and medium enterprises.”