"The ongoing international financial crisis which was triggered by the US sub-prime mortgage debacle has affected the employment situation in China, particularly many export-oriented enterprises," said the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security spokesman Yin Chengji on Monday.

“This crisis will last longer and more complicated then you expected” said Ma Yun, President of Alibaba Group. He expected that the “winter” for economy is coming especially for Small-Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The statement is made during the 2nd APEC Business Advisory Council SME Summit. At the same time he noted that the opportunity is greater than risks for SMEs under such a crisis. The new economical circumstances requires all SMEs play a more positive role by utilizing social and industrial sources and occupying more market shares. Meanwhile, overseas buyers are more intend to reduce business trips and participation of exhibitions to lower the purchasing costs and getting more rely on online purchasing. “This has provided enterprises with good chance to avoid unfavorable factors.

On one hand, Alibaba expand its internationalization process by establishing branch offices and strategic partners in Europe, Japan and India respectively to help SMEs to obtain more procurement information. On the other hand, Alibaba are trying hard to develop e-commerce through establishment of strategic alliances with leaders in the industry to enhance core competitiveness of SMEs.  www.eastpo.net

Recently, Alibaba reached strategic cooperation with Shanghai International Machine Tool Fair (EASTPO). Since the day of signing the agreement, all the exhibitors of EASTPO 2009 will be provided with an online shop ID at Alibaba website and can enjoy all the professional and valuable services provided by Alibaba.  

This move is aken by Alibaba to be in better position to serve the enterprises. EASTPO will continue to provide more professional careful and comprehensive solutions for exhibitors. Given the fact that export to Europe and America is facing setback, Southeast Asia market will be an alternative. This will become a part of EASTPO’s commercial plan in Southeast Asia which can be used to help enterprises seek business opportunities in this region.

The strong combination of EASTPO and Alibaba and thoughtful services provided by both parties will bring about more confidence and comfort for enterprises in bad times. As the barometer of the machine tool industry, people are expecting more business opportunities from 11th Shanghai International Machine Tool Fair (EASTPO 2009). Indeed, a number of small businesses will be closed down, but at the same time some will survive. We firmly believe that majority of small and medium enterprises will get through of this “winter” by receiving strong support from our government.  zhangtina.cn