The Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman, has today announced a new partnership between the ARA and the Alibaba Group, and welcomed the opportunity for deeper cooperation.
Speaking about the new partnership, Mr Zimmerman said closer ties between the ARA and Alibaba Group would provide Australian retailers with expanded marketing opportunities to extend their reach.
"Alibaba Group is a leading industry partner providing retailers looking for growth with new sales channels to reach their customers and different ways to do business," Mr Zimmerman said.
Since opening its physical offices in Australia in February 2017, Alibaba Group has grown to sell more than 2,000 Australian brands on its business-to-consumer e-commerce marketplaces in China. Tens of thousands of Australian retailers also now accept Alipay, China's leading payment method, to connect with the growing number Chinese visitors arriving in Australia each year.
Earlier in November, the company held its 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, with Gross Merchandise Volume reaching USD38.4 billion in 24 hours. Australia was the fourth largest exporter of products to China after Japan, the United States and South Korea.
"Alibaba Group is delighted to be partnering with the Australian Retailers Association to assist in providing the know-how, skills and infrastructure Australian retailers need to connect with new markets in China and beyond," said Maggie Zhou, Alibaba Group's Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand.
"We are planning a series of events with Alibaba Group in the next 12 months to examine innovations in payments and e-commerce, and explore opportunities in new markets," Mr Zimmerman said.
"The ARA looks forward to engaging more closely with Alibaba Group to help innovative retail members become more empowered in their efforts to expand and grow," Mr Zimmerman concluded.
