ALIBABA.COM, a prominent global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform under the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, is reinforcing its commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide by scaling its artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Reaffirming its dedication to supporting MSMEs, Alibaba.com said it has been rolling out artificial intelligence (AI) tools for global suppliers, which have so far attracted adoption by around 30,000 businesses on its platform.
This aligns with the seventh anniversary of the United Nations MSME Day, which highlights the crucial role of MSMEs in achieving sustainable development goals and their global economic contributions.
Alibaba.com president Kuo Zhang, who participated in the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Global Review of Aid for Trade, emphasised the importance of ensuring that no MSMEs in underdeveloped countries are left behind in the era of AI.
He further mentioned that among the top 20 countries making the most frequent use of Alibaba.com’s AI tools, approximately 10 are developing countries, reflecting the platform’s broad international reach and commitment to inclusive growth.
“As a key player in the private sector, Alibaba.com has been privileged to collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) over the past 25 years, supporting MSMEs globally,” Zhang remarked.
“As we promote wider adoption of our AI tools amongst MSMEs, we also hope to expand our global supplier base to cover 100,000 suppliers in the next three years. In a nutshell, we are building a global supply chain by and for MSMEs leveraging AI.”
A recent survey by Alibaba.com found that 25–30% of MSMEs on the platform use AI tools daily.
“These tools have led to a 37% increase in product exposure, thereby boosting business opportunities,” Zhang noted.
He further said 70% of the optimisation suggestions provided by the AI tools have been accepted by the MSMEs, demonstrating the practical benefits and trust in these advanced solutions.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Hanh Sanh Co Ltd deputy managing director Sieu To shared his positive experience, saying that the utilisation of AI has helped automate its store on Alibaba.com, saving significant time and effort.
“For many business owners new to e-commerce, AI tools are a compelling reason to join the platform,” he said.
Italy’s Deltha Pharma chief executive officer Maria Francesca Aceti said: “Among the first Italian businesses on Alibaba.com, I always had faith in our quality Italian supplements.
“The platform has helped me expand my business beyond Europe into China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Ghana,” Aceti said.
Dagmawit Abebe, owner of Ethiopian coffee brand Kedemt Coffee, highlighted the transition from traditional brick-and-mortar to e-commerce.
“Platforms like Alibaba.com are vital in overcoming local market challenges and expanding our reach globally,” Abebe said. – June 28, 2024
Main pic credit: CNBC
