Alibaba B2B has unveiled three major support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises and rural farmers, Sina reported.
1688, Alibaba’s B2B e-commerce procurement platform, will partner with more than 20 software providers to launch 20+ digital productivity tools, offering close to 100 million RMB subsidies for e-commerce SMEs to alleviate hiring woes through a virtual recruitment fair.
In addition, Alibaba Global Business Group, in partnership with DingTalk, will provide telecommuting solutions for businesses. Eligible businesses will gain free access to enterprise data analytic tools. Alibaba Global Business Group is also extending eligible SMEs free credit sales protection and low-interest loans. Mom-and-pop stores on Alibaba’s retail platform (Lingshoutong) can enjoy a 0% interest fee credit purchase.
Alibaba expressed that the support programs rolled out will be further enhanced for Hubei province-based businesses. For two months, 1688 will expedite the release of Hubei province-based merchant’s sales revenue for free, and an extension of up to one million RMB loan service with 0% interest fee. Once the Covid-19 outbreak ends, an assistance plan will be devised to help Hubei province-based merchants resume their business swiftly.
Editor’s note: This is part of our ongoing Tech for Good series, highlighting how Chinese tech companies are helping fight the impact of the coronavirus. This was originally written by Liu Wenxuan, a writer for our sister site, TechNode Chinese. Read the Chinese version here.