Alibaba Unifies 1688 and Alibaba.com Under Single Management
Alibaba has begun integrating its domestic wholesale platform 1688 with its cross-border marketplace Alibaba.com under a unified management structure. The move aims to enhance connections between Chinese suppliers and international buyers.
Alibaba has initiated the integration of its domestic wholesale platform, 1688, with its international marketplace, Alibaba.com. Both platforms will now operate under the leadership of Kuo Zhang, a vice president at Alibaba and president of Alibaba.com. The former head of 1688 will transition to a different role within the company.
The integration seeks to streamline wholesale operations by connecting Chinese suppliers more directly with overseas buyers. This unification is expected to leverage shared resources and artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency in cross-border transactions. Both 1688 and Alibaba.com have been in operation for over two decades, previously functioning as separate entities for domestic and international wholesale respectively.
Alibaba first announced the consolidation in its August financial reporting, grouping the two platforms under a new segment named Global Wholesale. This strategic alignment is designed to foster greater synergy and optimize Alibaba's global wholesale business.