Alibaba.com Introduce AI Tools for Global Suppliers

Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global B2B e-commerce and a unit of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, today celebrated businesses striving for success and global growth in anticipation of Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) Day on June 27. Reaffirming its commitment to supporting MSMEs, Alibaba.com has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) tools for global suppliers, which have already been adopted by around 30,000 businesses on its platform.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of the United Nations’ designation of MSME Day, recognizing the critical role MSMEs play in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their contributions to the global economy. In honor of this occasion, Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, participated in a panel discussion on global trade during the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) bi-annual Global Review of Aid for Trade. Zhang also joined a session hosted by the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) alongside four MSMEs from Ethiopia, Vietnam, Italy, and India to celebrate MSME Day.

Zhang emphasized the importance of ensuring that MSMEs in underdeveloped countries are not left behind in the era of AI. He noted that among the top 20 countries utilizing Alibaba.com’s AI tools, approximately 10 are developing nations.

“As a member of the private sector, we are honored to have worked alongside international agencies like ITC and supported MSMEs worldwide over the past 25 years,” said Zhang. “We aim to expand our global supplier base to 100,000 suppliers in the next three years by promoting wider adoption of our AI tools among MSMEs. In essence, we are building a global supply chain by and for MSMEs leveraging AI.”

MSMEs Embrace the Power of AI

A recent survey by Alibaba.com of MSMEs using its platform revealed that they frequently seek innovative solutions like AI. 25%-30% of the MSMEs surveyed use AI daily.

Currently, around 30,000 MSMEs on Alibaba.com are leveraging the platform’s AI tools. These companies have seen a 37% increase in product exposure, leading to more business opportunities and growth. Additionally, MSMEs utilizing these AI tools have adopted 70% of the optimization suggestions provided by the tools.

“Using AI has put my Alibaba.com store on autopilot and saved us a lot of time, as it’s just me and one employee managing our business,” said Sieu To, Deputy Managing Director of Hanh Sanh Co., Ltd, a Vietnam-based electric fan company. “I believe AI tools will attract many new business owners to e-commerce platforms like ours.”

MSMEs Have Growing Access to Global Suppliers

In addition to innovative solutions, MSMEs on Alibaba.com can diversify their product sources by connecting with suppliers specializing in specific industries and products. Key global digital supply chain clusters include:

• Northeast Asia: Natural ingredient skincare suppliers in Korea, home furniture, and camera/photo accessory manufacturers in Japan.
• Southeast Asia: Seasoning and condiments suppliers in Vietnam, and home and outdoor furniture suppliers, as well as loose gemstones and horse racing gear experts in India and Pakistan.
• West Asia and Europe: Suppliers of carpets, men’s clothing, and construction machinery in Türkiye, industrial machinery suppliers in Germany, and wine, textile machinery, and women’s apparel suppliers in Italy.

“As one of the first Italian businesses on Alibaba.com’s platform, I have always had faith in our quality Italian supplement products. Alibaba.com has helped me expand my business beyond Europe into markets like China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Ghana,” said Maria Francesca Aceti, CEO of Deltha Pharma.

Alibaba.com Expands Supplier Support in Developing Countries

Alibaba.com is intensifying its efforts to onboard suppliers from developing countries as it seeks to expand its supplier base. The platform aims to help 100 MSMEs across Africa establish a global presence. Additionally, of the 500 events and seminars Alibaba.com will host this fiscal year (April 2024 to March 2025) for global suppliers, about 300 will be held in developing nations.

“Transitioning from brick-and-mortar to e-commerce has been a strategic journey for my business,” said Dagmawit Abebe, owner of Ethiopian coffee brand Kedemt Coffee. “Leveraging e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.com has been crucial in overcoming local market challenges and expanding our reach.”

Connecting more global MSMEs than ever, Alibaba.com serves over 48 million buyers and more than 200,000 suppliers worldwide. Alibaba.com remains committed to placing MSMEs at the forefront through innovation and solutions aimed at simplifying global sourcing and selling.