Hong Kong, China / New York City, USA - February 5, 2002 - As one of the 2001 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, Alibaba.com CEO Jack Ma participated in the Annual Meeting 2002 of the World Economic Forum in New York City from January 31 to February 4. About 3000 international leaders from business, government, academia, media and civil society gathered for discussion, debate and action on the key issues of the global agenda.


For the first time in its history, the Annual Meeting moved from Davos, Switzerland to New York as a sign of solidarity with the city. This year's overall theme was "Leadership in Fragile Times: A Vision for a Shared Future".


The Annual Meeting 2002 addressed six core themes: Advancing Security and Addressing Vulnerability; Redefining Business Challenges; Reducing Poverty and Improving Equity; Re-evaluating Leadership and Governance; Restoring Sustained Growth; Sharing Values and Respecting Differences.


In 1992 the World Economic Forum developed a special community called "Global Leaders for Tomorrow". Each year 100 outstanding international leaders from business and society are selected by the Forum's Management Board. Alibaba.com CEO Jack Ma was honored as one of the 2001 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, attending the Annual Meeting 2001 in Davos.


In May 2001, Jack Ma published an article titled "From Shanghai To Davos" in Wall Street Journal to elaborate Alibaba's vision of facilitating global trade for businesspeople all around the world, which was highly appreciated by Professor Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum. According to a survey conducted by the Forum covering 25,000 people from 25 countries, a majority of people expected that they would benefit from the economic globalization.


Dedicated to economic globalization from the very start, Alibaba now boasts more than 1,000,000 members from over 200 countries and territories and has won many awards due to its contributions to global trade and e-commerce.

About the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum

Beginning as a simple gathering in the Swiss Alps, the Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos has become the premier gathering of world leaders in business, government and civil society to address the issues and challenges confronting humanity.

Traditionally held in Davos, Switzerland, the Annual Meeting covers a wide range of issues including global economic growth, trade, business management, the poverty gap, technology, health, religion and cultural understanding. Members and participants are encouraged to seek solutions to business, social and political problems, and to take an active part in Task Forces, workshops and other Initiatives.


About Alibaba.com

Alibaba.com is the world's largest base of suppliers and host to China's leading domestic B2B trade community. Alibaba's vision is to become the number one destination for buyers and sellers at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) to find trade opportunities, promote their businesses and conduct transactions online. Alibaba.com was selected by Forbes magazine as "Best of the Web: B2B" and selected as the world's best B2B site by readers of the Far Eastern Economic Review.



For more information, please visit www.alibaba.com or email to alibaba@alibaba-inc.com.