HONG KONG, April 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerry Express (Hong Kong) Ltd (Kerry Express), an express arm of Kerry Logistics, Asia's leading logistics service provider, to launch a joint promotion for the hktdc.com Small Orders online transactional platform (http://smallorders.hktdc.com).
Under the agreement, suppliers on hktdc.com Small Orders shipping from Hong Kong and Shenzhen to ASEAN countries will enjoy a maximum 20 per cent shipping fee discount when delivering via Kerry Express' network. Whereas suppliers shipping from Thailand to other countries worldwide will enjoy a maximum 20 per cent shipping fee discount, by using services from Kerry Express' designated partners. The initiative will provide alternative shipping options for Hong Kong, Greater China and Thai suppliers, and enhance their business offerings.
"With the reduced freight rates, this partnership will benefit both buyers and suppliers and further boost business for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whether they are exporting their goods to the world, or importing from around the globe. Kerry Express' offer helps strengthen trading ties between Hong Kong, Greater China, Thailand and the whole ASEAN region," said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau, who signed the MoU in Bangkok with Kerry Express.
Gary So, Deputy Managing Director of Kerry Logistics, said, "SMEs are the backbone of Hong Kong's economy and engines of growth and innovation. We are excited to be partnering with HKTDC to support the SME suppliers on hktdc.com. With Kerry Express' extensive network in ASEAN, we offer reliable and cost-effective last mile delivery solutions throughout the region. E-commerce will be one of our major growth drivers in 2016 and we look forward to exploring more collaborations with HKTDC to tap into this growing business."
Launchpad for start-ups
Among the first to benefit from the promotion will be 12 Thai SMEs, which are finalists of the Thai Access to International Markets Competition (Thai AIM). Selected by Thai consumers for having the best Thai designs, the finalists will enjoy complimentary Kerry Express delivery services to display their products at the April HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, which is the largest of its kind in Asia, and the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, the largest of its kind in the world.
Official Thai AIM sponsor Office of SME Promotion (OSMEP)'s Deputy Director General, Ms Panita Shinawatra said, "OSMEP is relentlessly encouraging start-ups in Thailand. Thai AIM already offers a channel for start-ups to access international markets cost-effectively through hktdc.com Small Orders. Now this MoU would enable Thai SMEs to further expand market opportunities through new channels and save costs. Therefore, their exports volumes can effectively increase with extensive market coverage in ASEAN and worldwide."
In an HKTDC survey conducted last October, more than 80 per cent of buyers commended the business model of sourcing in small quantities. This "small order" model enables more flexible sourcing to allow companies to respond more quickly to the latest market situation. It also benefits suppliers who want to test the market and maintain a low inventory. The hktdc.com Small Orders online transactional platform welcomes supplier participation from the ASEAN region looking to sell overseas.
hktdc.com Small Orders and HKTDC's four-in-one platform
Launched in December 2014, hktdc.com Small Orders features quality products available for order in quantities of between five and 1,000 items. Buyers can place orders with verified suppliers over the platform. Instant payment and shipping arrangements are available for selected products, while online payment is processed and protected by PayPal.
The online transactional platform to date, has featured over 9,000 suppliers and more than 100,000 products. In 2015, it won coveted WebAwards in the categories of Directory or Search engine Standard of Excellence, International Business Standard of Excellence and Small Business Standard of Excellence. The mobile site of hktdc.com Small Orders won the MobileWebAward in the Best International Business Mobile Website last year.
To attract more buyers to conduct online transactions, the HKTDC periodically launches special themes and discounts and stages trade fair promotions in Hong Kong and around the world. The online transactional platform is also extensively promoted to international B2B buyers through the HKTDC's global network of 46 offices.
hktdc.com Small Orders is part of the HKTDC's online marketplace (hktdc.com), which features more than 130,000 quality suppliers and 1.6 million registered buyers who can make personalised sourcing enquiries via the website. With verified supplier information, buyers can find peace of mind by sourcing quality products from trustworthy companies.
The HKTDC's four-in-one platform, comprising an online marketplace, trade fairs, trade publications and a mobile app, aims to help SMEs capture business opportunities effectively and efficiently. Combining the strengths of its physical trade fairs and a trusted online marketplace, the HKTDC offers suppliers and buyers a comprehensive O2O (online-to-offline) marketing solution, which connects them year-round to the world's markets.
Kerry Express
Kerry Express is a regional express service provider in Asia with an extensive network covering Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. With over 500 distribution centres and more than 9,500 vehicles, Kerry Express focuses on last mile delivery, e-commerce solutions and regional express services throughout ASEAN. Combined with Kerry Logistics' integrated logistics and international freight forwarding capabilities, Kerry Express is one of the few regional players who can offer fully comprehensive, door-to-door delivery services.
Website: hktdc.com Small Orders: http://smallorders.hktdc.com
