Core Insights - The opening of the Rakuten Group's Hangzhou branch marks a significant step in enhancing Hangzhou's position as a global cross-border e-commerce hub [1][2] - Hangzhou's comprehensive pilot zone has leveraged policy advantages, industrial cluster benefits, and a strong digital economy foundation, making it a preferred location for global e-commerce giants targeting the Asia-Pacific market [1] - Rakuten's establishment of a core hub in East China in Hangzhou reflects its recognition of the city's cross-border e-commerce ecosystem [1] Company Developments - Rakuten Group, founded in 1997, is a benchmark enterprise in the global internet ecosystem, with extensive experience in e-commerce retail, cross-border payments, and digital marketing [1] - Since opening its doors to Chinese sellers in 2019, Rakuten has transitioned from a model where Japanese entities operated stores to allowing direct entry for Chinese companies, significantly lowering entry barriers for Chinese sellers [1] - The official operation of the Hangzhou branch will activate Rakuten's "East China engine" for its development in China [1] Industry Context - The CEO of Rakuten's China division highlighted that East China is one of the most economically vibrant regions in China, with strong manufacturing and supply chain advantages that align well with Japanese market demands [2] - Products from East China, such as outdoor goods, textiles, and household items, have maintained a significant presence in the Japanese market due to their high quality and innovation [2] - The establishment of the Hangzhou branch aims to bridge the final gap between Rakuten's ecosystem and East China's industries, facilitating efficient access for more East China sellers to Japanese and global consumers through digital tools and localized support [2]
杭州综试区跨境电商平台又添一家 日本乐天集团杭州分公司落成