Feb 13, 2003 USA

New York, USA -- Feb 13, 2003 Annie Jie Xu, Director of Buyer Service Division at Alibaba U.S. branch office, was invited to be one of the panel speakers at a "Sourcing from China - The best online marketplaces for finding products and suppliers" seminar in the Weissman Center for International Business at Baruch College in New York city on Feb 13, 2003. The event is hosted by National Association of Export Companies (NEXCO). Some of the other speakers on the panel included James Strachan, Exec. Vice President of Corporate Development at Global Sources USA and Ken Nadler, Vice President of International Trade Specialist at Sterling National Bank.

The seminar generated a great deal of interest among small to medium sized businesses in New York and other east coast areas in the U.S. About 120 people/companies attended this two and half hour seminar. Most of them are either doing import and export business with China already or planning to start doing business with China.

Topics discussed during the seminar included: - Learn effective sourcing techniques; - Find trading partners in China through the internet; - Develop successful business relationships with Chinese suppliers without a "China connection;" - Communicate effectively with your Chinese suppliers and - Protect yourself when using online sourcing and international transactions, etc.

Annie Jie Xu discussed some sourcing trends in the global market nowadays, common problems and issues buyers face while using online marketplaces to source products and how Alibaba can help International buyers find pre-qualified and authenticated suppliers in China. Annie especially explained Alibaba's three flagship products and services in details :"China Suppliers" community, "TrustPass" membership and "VIP Buyer Services."

"Trust is the number one concern for both buyers and sellers while using online marketplaces. Getting a TrustPass membership is the first step for a business, an importer or exporter, to establish and display its basic credibility online......China Suppliers community is THE place to find quality suppliers in China and our VIP Buyer Service teams in U.S., Europe and Asia are dedicated to provide free match-making services to help International buyers find and communicate with authenticated and pre-qualified China suppliers......Alibaba is not going to completely replace your sourcing method, but rather, our products and services are designed to save time and money for you during your sourcing process." Annie commented.

In the audience, there are about 15 - 20 people/companies are Alibaba members. Ms. Betty Lee Deitch, President of Funspin.com is one of them. During the Q&A session of the seminar, Ms. Deitch expressed her satisfaction and appreciation to Alibaba. "We really love to use Alibaba. Look at this product," Ms. Deitch gladly pointed to a plastic stationery carrying bag she brought to the seminar, "this is the first product I ordered with large quantity from a Chinese supplier I found on Alibaba's marketplace. I am going to continue to use Alibaba because I have many more product lines coming up."

During the seminar, Alibaba also distributed its sourcing CD-ROM that contains a database and product catalogs of all pre-qualified and authenticated suppliers in China.

About NEXCO

Founded in 1965 in New York City, NEXCO's mission is to provide the international trade community with a dynamic forum for networking, business solutions and advocacy. In partnership with the World Trade Centers Association, NEXCO looks forward to taking a role in rebuilding the infrastructure for trade in New York City.

The association's success in meeting its mission has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce which awarded NEXCO its prestigious President's "E" Award for excellence in serving the export community.