Chinese e-commerce opened to Vic businesses

Local Victorian businesses will receive state government support to break into the Chinese e-commerce market, following a new partnership with Australia Post.

The agreement will speed up access to the Chinese market for Victorian businesses through Australia Post’s joint venture with China Post — Sai Cheng Logistics International.

It follows the Victorian Government signing a memorandum of understanding with Australia Post in March 2016 to strengthen e-commerce trade with China.

China is the world’s largest e-commerce market, with online retail transactions reaching US$499 billion in 2017, representing a massive opportunity for local businesses to grow exports and create local jobs.

“This partnership will give Victorian businesses first-mover advantage as they tap into the opportunities of the Asian e-commerce market — that’s good for the economy, good for jobs and good for Victoria,” said Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis.

Sai Cheng will offer Victorian businesses specialised rates across its range of supply chain solutions, including product registration, helping reduce the time frame from 6–25 months down to 3–6 months.

Sai Cheng operates 13 warehouses, nine of which are in free-trade zones, across eight cities in China. The company offers warehousing, fulfilment and delivery services within China and across the globe.

Free-trade zones are specific areas where goods can be imported, handled and distributed without the direct intervention of customs, helping Australian businesses connect to the Chinese market in purpose-built facilities which expedite trade and investment.

“We are delighted to partner with the Victorian Government and strengthen our longstanding commitment to help small and medium-sized business grow and access new markets,” said Australia Post Executive General Manager International Services Andrew Parker.

“We look forward to working with other states and territories to help more Australian businesses enter the world’s biggest e-commerce market.”

During 2017’s Singles Day, also known as Double 11 Global Shopping Festival, Sai Cheng fulfilled 100,000 orders in the first 40 minutes of the sale, and more than 30,000 orders were placed on Tmall, JD and Little Red Book.

The state government is helping local businesses break into fast growing e-commerce markets by hosting workshops across the state, establishing the Victorian E-commerce Network and bringing key Asian e-commerce players to Victoria.

It has also played a key role in attracting Chinese e-commerce investment to Victoria, with both JD and Alibaba establishing regional headquarters in Melbourne.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Amy Walters

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