Whether you know it or not, you may make your next online purchase via a cross-border E-commerce platform. The niche market has taken off so fast in China, that it will be one of the hottest topics at this year's Boao forum. The fast development of internet technology and logistics services has boosted consumers' consumption and helped many small manufacturers go global. CGTN's Wu Lei brings us more.

Imported goods have become a big part of Chinese people's daily lives. Most consumers used to ask friends abroad to help them buy, but now many prefer platforms that specialize in cross border e-commerce.

CHEN YUTING HANGZHOU RESIDENT "Asking friends abroad to buy usually takes over 10 days. But now it only takes 1 or 2 days, which is very convenient. And the prices on online platforms tend to be lower."

WU LEI HANGZHOU "Cross border e-commerce platforms bring consumers a variety of ethnic products, but also help a growing number of Chinese manufacturers reach more overseas dealers in more cost-effective ways."

Zhang Guomin started manufacturing baby clothes in 2016. He used to focus just on China's domestic market, but also hopes to branch out overseas. Zhang says exporting business is not easy for small companies.

ZHANG GUOMIN, GENERAL MANAGER ZHEJIANG HUZHOU BABY BOSS CLOTHING CO., LTD. "We didn't know exactly which countries to export to, or whether our styles would fit their standards or not. I started using Alibaba's cross border e-commerce platform last year. It helped us guide the exports through bid data analysis, then we could adjust our products and services accordingly."

Since 2018 Zhang has exported 30% of his total products to Vietnam, Myanmar and other East Asian countries. Liu Miao is in charge of Alibaba's major cross border e-commerce supply platform. He says so far more than 150 thousand Chinese manufacturers sell over 40 million categories of goods to global markets through this platform.

LIU MIAO, GENERAL MANAGER ALIBABA 1688 CROSS BORDER SUPPLY "It is very difficult for these small manufacturers to solve global disputes and protect their legal rights abroad. We, as platforms, will help and provide professional consultations and other services on globalization and overseas business."

China's new E-commerce law came into effect in January. As China continues to expand its imports and boost its exports, cross border e-commerce platforms are expected to play a bigger role in protecting the legal rights of consumers and small manufacturers. 

WL, CGTN, HZ, ZJ PROVINCE.