Due to CEDA's focused work in the distribution and logistics and agrifood sectors, work with McKinsey and Company, and in increasing the profile of our region within central government, Chief Executive Linda Stewart was recently invited to meet with Alibaba Group's global executive team.

Alibaba Global CE, Daniel Zhang and Managing Director Alibaba Group NZ and Australia, Maggie Zhou, are in New Zealand meeting with government agency heads and business leaders to give an overview of the e-commerce platform's global goals and ambitions for New Zealand.

Alibaba Group's mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. Despite the company's size, it's worth $264.9b, according to Forbes, it has a real focus on working with small businesses.

"What interests me is Alibaba's desire to solve the challenges these businesses face when it comes to procurement, sales, marketing, management and financing," says Linda Stewart.

"Given we are a country and region built on the success of our micro, small and medium size enterprises, it's important for CEDA to take a lead in understanding what the opportunities are for our region when it comes to accessing this global marketplace."

CEDA was the only economic development agency in attendance, highlighting the progress being made in moving Manawatū to centre stage.

This originally appeared in 60 Seconds with CEDA, a weekly update on our latest news and projects, delivered to your inbox. Sign up for this by scrolling to the footer of this web page.