Unit2
Main Cross-Border E-Commerce Platforms

2.1　B2B Platforms

2.1.1　About Alibaba

Alibaba Group was established in 1999 by 18 people led by Jack Мa，a former English teacher from Hangzhou，China.From the outset，the company's founders shared a belief that the Internet would level the playing field by enabling small enterprises to leverage innovation and technology to grow and compete more effectively in the domestic and global economies.Since launching its first website helping small and medium-sized enterprises in China to sell internationally，Alibaba Group has grown into a digital ecosystem with businesses comprising China commerce，international commerce，local consumer services，logistics，cloud，digital media and entertainment，innovation initiatives and others.

Among all of the business above，Alibaba.com（Figure 2-1）is the leading platform for global wholesale trade，which serves millions of buyers and suppliers around the world.As part of the Alibaba Group，its mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere.

Alibaba.com brings buyers hundreds of millions of products in over 40 different major categories，including consumer electronics，machinery and apparel.Buyers for these products are located in more than 190 countries and regions，and exchange hundreds of thousands of messages with suppliers on the platform each day.

2.1.2　About Global Sources

Global Sources is an internationally recognized B2B sourcing platform that has been driving global trade for more than 50 years.The company connects authentic buyers and verified suppliers worldwide with tailored solutions and trusted market intelligence through trade shows，digital platforms and magazines.

Global Sources pioneered the world's first international B2B e-commerce website，globalsources.com（Figure 2-2），in 1995 and today has over 10 million registered international buyers.Never resting on its laurels，the company launched Global Sources Electronics，Indonesia in 2019 to connect China with Southeast Asia market.It is also a major shareholder in the Shenzhen International Мachinery Мanufacturing Industry Exhibition（SIММ）- the leading machinery exhibitions in southern China - and its related shows.

According to globalsources.com，their vision statements are ＂to be the most trusted，customer-centric，multi-channel B2B trade platform＂ and ＂to enhance quality of life and mutual understanding across borders by promoting authentic global trade＂.Their mission statements are ＂to connect authentic buyers and suppliers worldwide，with tailored solutions and reliable market intelligence＂ and ＂to help customers meet the challenges of a changing world and seize new opportunities＂ .

2.1.3　About DHgate

The name of the company was inspired by the Chinese city of Dunhuang，a major stop on the ancient Silk Road that connected the East to the West.It is the dream for DHgate to become the online gateway for global trade，rebuilding the Silk Road through Internet.

DHgate.com（Figure 2-3）is the world's leading online wholesale platform for goods made in China，connecting international buyers with Chinese wholesale sellers who offer the same quality products found elsewhere at a fraction of the price.DHgate hosts over 30 million products in a wide range of categories including apparel & accessories，computers & networking，consumer electronics，toys & hobbies，health & beauty，bags & jewelry，home，autos，and more.Businesses and consumers can get low prices on top selling products such as but not limited to wedding dresses，tablet PC and cell phones.DHgate provides buyer protection plan，secure refund policy，express delivery and shipment tracking，and is committed to providing a fast，easy and safe buying experience to businesses and consumers worldwide.

The mission statement of DHgate is ＂to empower anyone to trade globally & to make entrepreneurial dreams come true＂.Its version statement is ＂to be recognized as the world's leading trading marketplace＂.DHgate's ultimate goal is to be the leading company to enable anyone to buy a product from anywhere anytime.