British firms looking to develop e-commerce sales in China are to get a helping hand from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) after it signed a partnership agreement with the Shanghai Cross-Border e-Commerce Public Platform.
Agreed as part of UKTI’s e-Exporting Programme, the deal will support UK exporters and help promote their online sales in China by helping them to find new customers, build brand awareness and analyse Chinese consumer requirements.
Under the agreement, the Shanghai Cross-Border e-Commerce Public Platform will work with UKTI to provide help to UK companies wishing to sign up to e-commerce platforms registered in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ).
It will also encourage e-commerce platforms registered in the Zone to run a marketing campaign promoting UK brands on their platforms, and will share information to help UK companies understand the opportunities in China and how they can be optimised through e-channels in the SFTZ.
UKTI will help increase the volume of UK online exports to China through the SFTZ e-marketplace by delivering a programme with UK partners to increase the number of companies seeking to export through global e-marketplaces, and promoting opportunities for UK companies to grow their business in China through electronic markets.
In addition, the UK agency will work with partners and private sector experts to provide peer-to-peer mentoring for British companies seeking to export through e-channels, and will deliver a retail and brands campaign across relevant e-commerce platforms in the SFTZ.
Developed by the Shanghai municipal government, the Public Platform aims to share information and jointly solve problems associated with counterfeit products, customs procedures, and cross-border foreign exchange settlement.
It links regulatory bodies such as customs and tax authorities, with sellers, consumers, payment institutions, logistics companies and a China e-Port Data Centre.
