Alibaba and New Zealand government form “strategic alliance”

Alibaba and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the New Zealand Government’s international business development agency, yesterday (18 April) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to “formalize discussions for strengthening trade between China and New Zealand”. The signing ceremony of the MOU was witnessed by New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, and Alibaba Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Jack Ma.

According to a statement issued by Alibaba, the MOU aims to broaden Alibaba’s existing partnership with NZTE and both parties will “explore different collaboration opportunities”. These will include Alibaba providing support for New Zealand companies to enter the Chinese consumer market through its various e-commerce channels, while NZTE will “assist local companies to understand and optimize the opportunities Alibaba’s ecosystem offers in terms of business growth in China”.

Peter Chrisp, Chief Executive of NZTE, said: “New Zealand businesses are already using Alibaba’s channels to sell a wide range of products including dairy, meat, seafood, fruit, wine, beverage, cereal, skincare and health supplements. By providing dedicated services for New Zealand products, this new arrangement offers significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses to reach more consumers as well as advocating New Zealand’s reputation as a place of open spaces, open hearts and open minds.”