Alibaba and UBM to create O2O trade buying experience
In this article (5)
Alibaba’s B2B business unit, including Alibaba.com and 1688.com, has teamed with trade exhibition organiser UBM Plc to “unite the online and offline trade buying experience” initially in Asia.
The two companies have begun exploring opportunities to link the B2B online and face-to-face trading worlds by leveraging their combined strengths, technologies and relationships. The alliance will begin with pilot programs introducing Alibaba B2B business unit’s online secure transactional platforms and business portals for companies participating in select UBM Asia trade fairs.
Cross promotional marketing, match-making services and audience development of the two company’s brands and networks will be another key aspect in working towards the longer term goal of creating the next generation of on and offline trade experiences.
Sophie Wu, president of the Alibaba B2B business unit, says collaborating with UBM will offer small and medium-sized enterprises a multichannel B2B trading experience.
“They can also tap into the abundant and combined expertise of the two industry pioneers for more worldwide trading opportunities.”
Tim Cobbold, CEO of UBM says a fundamental element of his company’s ‘Events First’ strategy is its commitment to innovate and to deliver value for customers.
“We are excited at the opportunity to partner with Alibaba.com, to create the next generation of trade buying experience.”
Pilot programs for the joint collaboration will begin with UBM Asia’s Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) to be held on 1-5 March 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Finefood Shanghai – part of Hotelex Shanghai – to be held 29 March to 1 April 2016 in Shanghai, China; and the co-located Materials Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T) and Fashion Access (FA) fairs to be held 30 March to 1 April 2016 in Hong Kong.
“They can also tap into the abundant and combined expertise of the two industry pioneers for more worldwide trading opportunities.”
The collaboration will commence with promotions of the UBM fairs to both parties’ respective trade audiences and Alibaba will begin offering their Trade Assurance service onsite to select exhibitors.
Alibaba’s Trade Assurance service allows participating suppliers to offer guarantees on order quality standards and on-time shipment.
Further pilots in the second half of 2016 will include additional business match-making components for other UBM Asia events such as Shanghai International Children Baby Maternity Industry Expo (CBME China) and Sign & LED China fairs.
James Dong, head of B2B strategy, investment, business development and business intelligence of Alibaba.com, says the eCommerce giant sees great added values for global business traders through the collaboration.
“Alibaba’s online trading resources and technology complements with the interaction and dialogues in the offline UBM trade shows. Such an alliance not only makes trading more cost-effective but enables higher level of trust between global buyers and sellers,” he said.
Jime Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia Ltd, says one of the challenges of the trade exhibition industry is continuing the buyer and seller dialogue and experience throughout the year.
“Meanwhile, the limitation of a pure online trading world is the absence of the physical interaction and development of the personal relationship. With Alibaba and UBM Asia – both prominent players in our respective fields of B2B trade – working together, we see opportunities to change how online and offline trade takes place, providing improved returns and efficiencies for our customers.”
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary goal of the new alliance between Alibaba's B2B unit and UBM Plc?
What is the primary goal of the new alliance between Alibaba's B2B unit and UBM Plc?
Their aim is to combine online and offline trade buying experiences, initially focusing on Asia. The collaboration seeks to link B2B online and face-to-face trading worlds by utilising their combined strengths and technologies.
Q.Which specific pilot programs are planned for the initial phase of this collaboration?
Which specific pilot programs are planned for the initial phase of this collaboration?
Initial pilot programmes will include the Malaysia International Furniture Fair, Finefood Shanghai, and the co-located Materials Manufacturing & Technology and Fashion Access fairs. These events are scheduled for March 2016.
Q.How do Alibaba and UBM Asia expect this collaboration to benefit global business traders?
How do Alibaba and UBM Asia expect this collaboration to benefit global business traders?
The collaboration is expected to make trading more cost-effective and build higher levels of trust between global buyers and sellers. It combines Alibaba's online resources with the interaction of UBM trade shows.
Q.What service will Alibaba specifically offer at select UBM fairs during the pilot phase?
What service will Alibaba specifically offer at select UBM fairs during the pilot phase?
Alibaba will begin offering its Trade Assurance service onsite to select exhibitors. This service allows participating suppliers to provide guarantees on order quality standards and on-time shipment.
Reader pulse
Is uniting online and offline B2B trading a major shift?
24,473 votes so far