Alibaba is taking further steps to improve its business-to-business (B2B) marketplace venture in India by establishing expanded Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) program with new partners.

The Chinese e-commerce giant has forged a partnership with DHL and Delhivery to provide domestic and international logistics support to Indian sellers, according to Business Insider. Alibaba's partnership with Aditya Birla Group's NBFC arm, IDFC Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank will provide financial aid including collateral-free loans and customized financing options. The Jack Ma-led Chinese internet firm said that with these providers, Alibaba would provide its users with tailor-made services. 

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The proposed TFC program will let Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to enjoy special benefits such as dedicated support and customized value-added services besides improved facilities. Through these partnerships, Alibaba is hoping to offer support to SMEs through a one-stop shop for their essential trade requirements, The Economic Times reported. 

“We strongly believe that through a vast variety of services offered by our partners, the TFC program will only get stronger and will drive greater participation of Indian SMEs in the international trade and business market,” said K Guru Gowrappan, Global Managing Director and Head of India for Alibaba Group.

Alibaba India SVP for Strategic Partnerships Vinay Bhartia said that through interactions with SMEs in the country, they discovered that these business owners are dealing with multiple challenges even after receiving export orders such as logistics, funding, banking services, inspection, and shipment.

Alibaba has been operating in India since 2007, and its marketplace boasts of around six million registered Indian buyers and sellers.

TagsAlibaba, B2B, India, Alibaba India, Tmall, B2B India, Alibaba B2B