Courier firms expanding overseas

Another Chinese delivery giant, SF Holding, is accelerating its global expansion as well. It has announced a joint venture with logistics giant UPS to provide international delivery services from China to the United States, and eventually global markets.

"China is leading the world in terms of e-commerce market size, growth, penetration and mobile business usage," said Alan Wong, SF Group vice-president.

So far, the company's own delivery network reaches 53 countries and regions, with its small parcel delivery services covering 225 countries and regions.

ZTO Express announced in June that it will form a logistics joint venture with Turkish Airlines and Hong Kong's PAL Air Ltd to expand its global delivery network. The new venture will be based in Hong Kong with businesses including door-to-door logistics services, warehouse operations and order and supply chain management.

"We will continue to expand into overseas markets. The international business will be an important growth point for ZTO Express in the future," said Lai Meisong, chairman of ZTO.

Lai said the three parties will integrate their respective strengths and resources in global delivery, warehouses, cargo freight and aviation routes to explore business opportunities.