Cross-border e-commerce is a shining example of Dongguan’s foreign trade, and Cainiao Network, a leading international logistics company, is one of the creators of this success.
“In 2019, Cainiao invested in and built its first industrial park in Dongguan. After five years of development, we now operate over 10 logistics parks in Dongguan, with an operational area of approximately 1 million square meters,” said Shi Dayan, General Manager of Public Affairs for Cainiao Network South China. Since establishing itself in Dongguan, Cainiao has deeply participated in Dongguan’s high-quality foreign trade growth.
Shi Dayan revealed that this year, Cainiao will conduct no fewer than 10 international supply chain empowerment activities in Dongguan, aiming to help Dongguan enterprises expand globally more effectively, quickly, and efficiently through Cainiao’s global supply chain network.
“Global 5-Day Delivery” Accelerates Again
The European Championship, held every four years, is in full swing. With the start of the tournament, overseas consumers have shown a strong enthusiasm for purchasing football and other sports equipment.
“The footballs we sent two weeks ago have already sold out, and we’ve just notified AliExpress to restock,” said a Cainiao cross-border warehouse staff member, describing the enthusiasm of overseas consumers and showcasing the unique appeal of “the world’s largest sport.” According to preliminary estimates by Shatian Customs, during this year’s European Championship, it is expected that approximately 11 million cross-border e-commerce packages featuring UEFA logos will be monitored, with a total value reaching 1.56 billion yuan.
To shorten the distance between overseas consumers and Chinese manufacturing, Cainiao, in collaboration with AliExpress, has launched the “European Championship Special Line” and established an integrated European warehouse in Dongguan. This warehouse is dedicated to handling cross-border goods destined for Europe, simplifying the shipping process and further accelerating the “Global 5-Day Delivery.”
The “European Championship Special Line” is just one example of Cainiao’s mutual efforts with Dongguan’s cross-border e-commerce. In 2019, Cainiao invested in building Dongguan’s first industrial park. After five years of development, Cainiao now operates over 10 logistics parks in Dongguan, with a total operational area of approximately 1 million square meters. This includes the national smart logistics backbone network’s South China core node project located in Machong Town, Dongguan, with an investment of over 1.2 billion yuan from Alibaba and Cainiao. This cross-border logistics park provides comprehensive cross-border supply chain solutions for Dongguan and the Greater Bay Area's manufacturing industries.
According to Shi Dayan, cross-border logistics plays a crucial role in Cainiao’s Dongguan operations. Cainiao has established multiple origin warehouses in Dongguan’s various industrial zones and uses models like “logistics to factory” to enable products from these industrial zones to be delivered directly to consumers, eliminating intermediaries and significantly reducing logistics costs. This approach helps Cainiao achieve its goal of “domestic delivery within 24 hours, international delivery within 72 hours.” 
Willing to share global supply chain resources with Dongguan enterprises
Founded in 2013, Cainiao is a globally renowned cross-border e-commerce logistics company, with business operations covering international express delivery, international supply chain, and local services abroad. Cainiao operates key logistics facilities strategically located worldwide, serving over 200 countries and regions, and has established the largest digital station network globally. In 2023, Cainiao’s international express delivery volume was the highest in the world, making it the most important supply chain service provider for Chinese cross-border e-commerce.
Why has this top international logistics company chosen to establish a base in Dongguan and built 10 logistics parks in 5 years?
Shih Dayan particularly noted that Dongguan boasts advantageous geographical location and transportation conditions, a strong manufacturing base, substantial policy support, and an excellent business environment. These advantages collectively provide a solid foundation and strong support for the development of Dongguan’s foreign trade economy. On this basis, Cainiao, through constructing an efficient logistics network and service system, supports the development of e-commerce and manufacturing industries, while promoting technological innovation and green sustainable development in the logistics industry. This has significantly shortened logistics time and enhanced the international competitiveness of Dongguan’s products.
Since Cainiao's establishment in Dongguan in 2019, Cainiao Network has played multiple roles in the development of Dongguan’s foreign trade economy. Measures such as building logistics hubs, supporting digital transformation, promoting the internationalization of “Dongguan goods,” and providing cross-border e-commerce services have consolidated Dongguan’s position in the global supply chain.
“The high-quality development of Dongguan’s foreign trade is not achieved overnight; it requires the wisdom and effort of each individual. Cainiao’s supply chain development is also supported by Dongguan’s government and policy guidance,” said Shih Dayan. He stated that Cainiao Group will continue to deepen its layout in Dongguan, willing to share its global supply chain resources with Dongguan enterprises, provide customized logistics solutions, and explore more innovative paths and models in the supply chain. Cainiao remains committed to the development in Dongguan and aims to co-create a new chapter in global logistics.
