Australia Post digitises service, connects SMEs to Asian markets
Supply chain and logistical requirements are evolving, driven by a rapidly growing e-commerce industry and a shift in market focus towards Asia. Australia Post, which has kept Australians connected for more than 200 years, is transforming its operations to harness opportunities from these market trends using its trusted brand and network reach.
Supply chain and logistical requirements are evolving, driven by a rapidly growing e-commerce industry and a shift in market focus towards Asia. Australia Post, which has kept Australians connected for more than 200 years, is transforming its operations to harness opportunities from these market trends using its trusted brand and network reach.
"We're innovating and moving with the digital age," says Charles Thompson, general manager of international. "In addition to digitising our traditional postal services, we've started to build up our outbound capabilities - physical and digital - to connect Australian businesses and consumers to Asia and the world."
Today, Australia Post operates the largest freight and logistics network in Australia as a result of its 2012 acquisition of StarTrack, giving it an unrivalled range of parcel, freight, express, courier and international solutions, accessible to customers through its retail network comprising more than 4,000 post offices, 48 superstores and 51 business hubs.
"We have an extraordinarily strong brand in Australia," Thompson says. "Our network and range of delivery options are unmatched, making us the partner of choice in logistics."
As cross-border trade between Australia and China continues to flourish, Australia Post leverages the strength of Sai Cheng Logistics International, its joint venture with China Post.
Into its 10th year, Sai Cheng provides one-stop supply chain services to customers trading between China, Australia and the rest of the world. Australia Post has also partnered with UnionPay International and Bank of China to launch the first UnionPay multicurrency travel card.
Another growing focus for Australia Post is helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access new Asian markets. Through an agreement with Alibaba, operator of online marketplace Tmall.com, Australia Post launched its flagship store auspost.tmall.hk to market Australia's niche products to Chinese consumers.
"Our goal is to empower Australian businesses and enable them to deliver their premium products - including organic local produce and other high-quality goods - to more of Asia," Thompson says.
