Alibaba plans logistics hub in Malaysia to launch end-2019

KUALA LUMPUR - Alibaba Group says it will set up a logistics hub in Malaysia, the latest in a string of Chinese investments - including in infrastructure and real estate – in Malaysia. The hub will be part of a digital free trade zone launched by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Najib Razak, and Alibaba’s founder and Executive Chairman, Jack Ma, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The hub, expected to be launched at the end of 2019, “will function as a centralised customs clearance, warehousing and fulfillment facility for Malaysia and the region, to deliver faster clearance for imports and exports”, Alibaba said.

 Alibaba did not disclose its investment size in the hub, but said the logistics facility was part of an “e-hub” it was setting up at the free trade zone, part of Ma’s Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative that aims to remove barriers to trade for smaller firms and emerging nations.

The “e-hub” in Malaysia will be the first such facility outside China, and will see collaboration between Alibaba affiliates and other Malaysian firms.  www.webershandwick.cn (ATI).