Alibaba Canada trade push

Alibaba Group executive chairman Jack Ma and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have signed a declaration of cooperation that will strengthen efforts to promote trade between Canadian small and medium-sized businesses and Chinese consumers.
Both Ma and Trudeau said in China that the Alibaba Canada cooperation agreement empowers the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and Alibaba to work together to expand the two-way flow of goods, services and people. The two sides will strategise on how to use eCommerce to stimulate trade, with opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized exporters.
“Today, I am pleased we are formalising our efforts to have Alibaba serve as the gateway to China for Canadian businesses of all sizes,” said Ma. “Our agreements represent a great opportunity for Canada and for China. It is a new chapter in our future together.”
“Today is a very good day for Canadian businesses. They now have a permanent e-home on the world’s biggest online shopping site – Alibaba – and with it, the ability to reach over 400 million Chinese consumers,” said Trudeau.
“There is significant potential for further business development with Alibaba, which would encourage Chinese tourism to Canada, create jobs at home and strengthen our middle-class.”
The pair also launched the Canadian Pavilion on Alibaba’s shopping platform, Tmall Global. The Canadian Pavilion makes it possible for Canadian businesses large and small to directly reach Chinese consumers. It was launched with more than 30 businesses participating, selling more than 100 products. It will feature special promotions for unique Canadian products such as apparel, ice wine, maple syrup, seafood and health products.