An Alaska trade mission to China set for May 19-26 will include meetings and networking with the Alibaba Group, a Chinese multinational e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology conglomerate.
Applications are being accepted through April 2.
Gov. Bill Walker said March 27 that the trade mission will include a visit to Alibaba’s Xixi campus in Hangzhou and visit one of their flagship Hema stories. Information will be offered on how Alibaba uses technology to redefine consumer experiences and get access to the world’s largest markets.
Walker said he met Alibaba Group’s executive chairman, Jack Ma, at a state dinner in Beijing hosted by China’s President Xi Jinging.
According to the Walker administration the trade mission offers three types of opportunities, including the demand for fresh food, especially live seafood, which is growing among Alibaba’s 580 million monthly users. There are also opportunities for nutraceuticals such as lotions, and the company’s payment platform, Alipay, is the largest in the world. As tourism in Chima increases, Alaska merchants familiar with Alipay can tap into new markets at home and aboard, state officials said.
Trips costs of $3,000 apiece cover comprehensive meeting arrangements, itinerary and interpretation services, logistical arrangements and ground transportation. Participants are responsible for their own costs of airfare, hotel, incidentals and meals.
Applications and additional information is online at
https://gov.alaska.gov/services/office-of-international-trade/alaska-china-trade-mission
