Alibaba embraces gen AI tools for global commerce expansion

Alibaba embraces gen AI tools for global commerce expansion is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Aibaba’s international e-commerce unit is utilising generative AI tools for translation, content creation, and product returns.
• Alibaba has been actively enhancing its global market competitiveness, including AliExpress and Lazada.

OUR TAKE
Despite tense relations with America, Alibaba has confidence in its AI technology and wants to provide overseas merchants with generative AI tools. By betting on generative AI tools for overseas merchants, Alibaba will reduce its reliance on the domestic market and enhance both resilience and stability amid increased competition.
–Dolly Huang, BTW reporter

What happened

Alibaba Group’s vice president, Zhang Kaifu, recently revealed that the company’s International Digital Commerce Group is actively applying advanced generative artificial intelligence tools to provide full support for cross-border merchants. These tools demonstrate superior performance in translation, content creation, and product return processing, enabling merchants to reach consumers across language and cultural barriers.

At present, the group has reached 300 million consumers and has established close cooperation with more than one million merchants worldwide. It is particularly noteworthy that the Alibaba Group’s revenue achieved a significant growth of 44% in the last quarter, which not only highlights the strong competitiveness of it in the global market, but also further validates the important role of generative artificial intelligence in promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce.

At the Next Conference in Singapore, Zhang expressed firm confidence in the company’s future potential in the field of artificial intelligence even amid increasingly tense relations between China and the United States. He pointed out that this will not affect China’s steady pace on the path of artificial intelligence innovation, and our progress in this field has been on par with that of the United States. At the same time, he also spoke highly of the global cooperation and contribution between China and Europe in promoting open source artificial intelligence technology.

Also read: How Generative AI tools revolutionise content creation

Also read: Alibaba sheds $360M Bilibili stake for AI push and business overhaul

Why it’s important

After restructuring its international e-commerce division into an independent business, Alibaba has been actively enhancing its global market competitiveness, particularly through platforms like AliExpress and Lazada. This move not only strengthens the company’s position in the international market but also propels the expansion and influence of its global operations.

By building a robust worldwide brand and enhancing its presence in international markets, Alibaba can better leverage opportunities in globalisation, accelerate its internationalisation process, and explore new avenues for growth.

In recent years, with competition intensifying, particularly from Chinese companies like Shein and Temu, rapidly rose in the market and demonstrated strong competitiveness. They have attracted a large number of consumers and merchants in a short time through innovative marketing strategies. In this context, the development of Alibaba’s international e-commerce division has become particularly crucial. This move not only helps Alibaba withstand competition in the domestic market but also facilitates growth by exploring emerging markets and expanding its international user base.

Furthermore, conducting overseas business can assist Alibaba in reducing over-reliance on the Chinese market, thereby diversifying market risks and enhancing overall business stability.