Fast Forward Globalization: Insights from 2024 Global Smart Logistics Summit

Sept. 11, 2024

The e-commerce landscape today is nothing short of transformative. With the rapid rise and adoption of digital technologies, producers and suppliers can connect with consumers more seamlessly than ever before. While in many markets, e-commerce is still in the early stages of development, we can expect it to evolve rapidly in the coming years, bolstered by significant improvements in infrastructure.

Both cross-border and domestic e-commerce are thriving, each opening up a world of possibilities for businesses and consumers alike. As Joe Tsai, Co-founder and Chairman of Alibaba Group, and Chairman of Cainiao Smart Logistics Network highlighted at a recent summit, "The future presents limitless opportunities."

At the heart of this transformation lies logistics. It’s a crucial component that shapes the e-commerce experience, determining whether it’s smooth sailing or a rough ride for consumers. The quality of logistics can make all the difference, influencing customer satisfaction and retention. At the 2024 Global Smart Logistics Summit, one of our biggest annual events held in Hangzhou, China, we explored the future of e-commerce and discussed how logistics can empower businesses to thrive as they expand globally.

For Cainiao, the vision is clear: to create a truly global end-to-end logistics network that ultimately fulfills our mission of global delivering within 72 hours.

Here are key announcements from the Summit:

We will begin our second batch of global e-Hubs construction to create a shared infrastructure that supports all global brands, merchants, and e-commerce platforms. By investing in infrastructure fundamentals and controlling key network nodes, we create a genuine competitive advantage that ensures service quality, efficiency, and reliability.

Our flagship cross-border service, "5-Day Delivery," now reaches 14 countries, providing consumers with a near-local retail experience.

Our local express delivery services are offered in 10 countries and regions outside of Chinese mainland.

Our overseas warehouses have expanded to 18 countries, totaling over 800,000 square meters, enhancing the resilience and flexibility of our global supply chain services.

Our unmanned delivery vehicles are now officially on public sale and are set to be deployed on a large scale to facilitate parcel deliveries between delivery stations and pick up stations on public roads. As a leader in smart logistics, Cainiao will drive research and innovation in digital logistics technology that closely aligns with industry needs.

“Globalization goes beyond just selling Chinese products abroad, or just setting up cross-border e-commerce and logistics channels,” Joe Tasi emphasized. “Alibaba is committed to supporting Cainiao with strategic globalization planning. By capturing the latest trends in the industry and understanding the relationship between global and Chinese markets, we aim to create a global logistics network that serves future industrial and supply chain needs.”

Our CEO Wan Lin echoes this vision: “We want to excel not only in serving our customers within the Alibaba ecosystem but also for external clients.” When asked whether the logistics industry has hit its peak, he confidently replied, "Not at all. We see immense potential for refining and perfecting our products."

As digitalization and globalization continues to evolve, Cainiao is ready to walk side by side with global partners, helping to bring better e-commerce experiences for everyone involved and supporting businesses—large and small—to thrive in the rapidly expanding global e-commerce landscape.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this journey towards a more interconnected and efficient e-commerce future.