Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd (ZIM) has entered into a strategic agreement with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.com to provide sea freight services. 

The Israeli container line said under the deal, ZIM will provide sea freight and services through a direct interface with Alibaba.com’s logistics platform.

ZIM noted that the cooperation, enforced since earlier this year, has effectively improved the visualisation process of Alibaba.com’s logistics platform and has proven beneficial for Alibaba.com stakeholders.

"ZIM's extensive network of lines provides stable, high-efficiency and visible global logistics delivery services for Alibaba.com sellers, along with high-level customer service, product support and system optimization," it said in a statement.  

Accordingly, it noted that ZIM and Alibaba.com are both evaluating options to expand their cooperation.

E-commerce expansion for ZIM

"We are proud of this first cooperation with Alibaba.com, which is part and parcel of our innovative strategic vision. We see it as a great opportunity and a mutually beneficial arrangement leading to top-level customer service. It’s an important step for ZIM, expanding digital services for e-commerce customers as well as small and medium enterprises," said Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO.

Kuo Zhang, general manager of Alibaba.com said as the world's largest cross-border e-commerce B2B platform, Alibaba.com aims to build a global logistics network jointly with ZIM and other ecological partners and reshape global logistics industry standards.

"The strategic cooperation between ZIM and Alibaba.com will provide customers with stable, efficient and visible cross-border supply chain solutions, and provide strong support for the explosive growth of the global digital trade," he said.