Enterprises engaged in cross-Straits online business are leaving footprints in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, thanks to its geographic advantages and preferential policies, ptnet.cn reports.
Fujian’s first-ever e-commerce cargo to Taiwan passed customs inspection in Pingtan, Nov 5, 2014.
There is enormous potential in trades between Fujian and Taiwan, and e-commerce is deemed a bridge for new growth, according to He Shijun, deputy chairman of the Trade-Van Information Service Co.
Previously, most Taiwan e-commerce enterprises exported their products to the mainland via Hong Kong. But now direct e-commerce between Fujian and Taiwan is taking off, and this is where Pingtan can play a trailblazing role, he said.
Pingtan shipped its first e-commerce cargo – a batch of jeans produced in southern Fujian province – to Taiwan last November.
“Given that the needs of cross-Straits e-business are growing, and that Fujian is a producer of garment and footwear, we decided to purchase materials in Fujian and put our export base here, and likely in Pingtan in the future,” said Cui Kai, general manager of online business osell.com.
More than 30 online businesses have already or are preparing to settle in Pingtan, said ptnet.cn. They also plan to take Taiwan as a spring board for entering the global market.
“Taiwan has large airports and ports, which are good for exporting bulk cargo and retail goods. Pingtan can take advantage of that and try to build a new e-commerce platform with Taiwan helping enterprises participate in the global market,” said an official with the economy sector in Pingtan.
The jeans from osell.com were first shipped to Taipei, and then distributed across the world by air, slashing logistics costs.
“Previously we exported cargo in Guangzhou. But now about 30 percent of logistics costs can be saved by exporting them from Pingtan,” said Cui.
He Shijun echoed his sentiment, adding that Pingtan will open international shipping routes, offering more options for cross-border logistics.
