Core Insights - Dubai is a vibrant global trade center with unique strategic advantages for entrepreneurs looking to establish import and export businesses [2] - In Q1 2024, Dubai's non-oil foreign trade reached $381 billion, showcasing its economic strength and entrepreneurial potential [2] - The UAE emphasizes innovation and diversification, creating a fertile environment for business development [2] Historical Context - The UAE has historically been a natural hub for international trade, connecting Asia and Europe, and has evolved significantly since the discovery of oil in 1962 [3] - The establishment of key ports and free zones has enhanced the UAE's re-export capabilities, positioning it as a global logistics hub [3] Import Opportunities - Key sectors for imports include electrical equipment, vehicles, electronics, and precious metals, with significant market demand driven by low import tariffs and a growing consumer base [6][14] Export Opportunities - The UAE's export landscape includes oil, cosmetics, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals, with notable growth in the cosmetics market projected to exceed $3 billion by 2025 [6][14] Strategic Advantages of Dubai - Dubai's geographic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa provides unparalleled access to emerging markets [9] - The business-friendly regulatory framework, including zero corporate tax for most activities, enhances its attractiveness for foreign entrepreneurs [15] Free Zones - The UAE's free zones offer unique operational frameworks that facilitate trade and investment, attracting foreign companies with simplified business setup processes [11] - Advantages of establishing a business in free zones include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and flexible operational hours [16] Steps to Establish an Import/Export Business - Entrepreneurs can choose to set up in either a free zone or the mainland, with specific registration processes for each option [13][22] Customs Regulations - Understanding Dubai's customs regulations is crucial for conducting import/export activities, including necessary declarations and compliance with specific product regulations [18][19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by 16% year on year, with non-GAAP net profit rising by 43% to RMB 12.8 billion, and net margin expanding by 82 basis points to 4.2% [5][21][30] - Gross margin improved by 60 basis points year on year to 15.9%, marking twelve consecutive quarters of year-on-year improvement [21][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electronics and home appliances revenue grew by 17% year on year, while general merchandise revenue increased by 15% [22][23] - Supermarket category revenue growth reached double digits for the fifth consecutive quarter, with strong performance during the Chinese Lunar New Year [9][10] - Fashion category also saw accelerated revenue growth, driven by enhanced brand assortment and user recognition [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - JD's quarterly active customer number increased by double digits year on year, with notable growth in user shopping frequency [11][12] - Growth in order volume and user base in lower-tier markets outpaced that of higher-tier markets [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance supply chain capabilities and solidify market leadership in electronics and home appliances while tapping into the general merchandise market [5][7] - JD is expanding into on-demand retail, particularly food delivery, which is integrated into its existing retail ecosystem [14][15] - The company launched a RMB 200 billion export to domestic sales program to enrich product supplies on its platform [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term growth driven by structural opportunities in the industry, supported by government consumption stimulus policies [8][19] - The company is focused on sustainable long-term growth and maintaining flexibility to adapt to industry dynamics [19][31] Other Important Information - JD completed annual cash dividend payouts of USD 1.44 billion and repurchased approximately 80.7 million Class A ordinary shares, representing 2.8% of shares outstanding [21][79] - The company is actively leveraging AI and automation technologies across its ecosystem to enhance operational efficiency and user experience [18][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the medium-term expectations for the food delivery initiative? - Management highlighted that food delivery is a natural extension of JD's core retail business, with significant demand and synergies expected to drive growth [38][40] Question: How is JD Retail sustaining momentum in apparel and general merchandise? - Management noted broad-based growth in general merchandise, with efforts focused on enhancing operational capabilities and user experience [45][47] Question: Can management share key metrics for the food delivery business? - Management reported strong user retention and cross-selling opportunities emerging, with over 1 million merchants onboarded [51][55] Question: How is AI being applied across JD's business segments? - AI is being utilized to enhance advertising effectiveness, improve operational efficiency, and optimize supply chain management [60][63]