Alibaba outlines its logistics plans in IPO filing

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Alibaba has released more details of its logistics strategy as it prepares for an IPO. Investors had been concerned that China’s poorly developed infrastructure would harm Alibaba’s prospects. In return, Alibaba claimed it has good control over its logistics partners and has increased investment – with a new central information platform, among other things. It also, through its 48%-owned China Smart Logistics, has an ambitious plan to be able to deliver more than 100 million packages a day – within 24 hours of an order, anywhere in China – via a network of logistics hubs and warehousing. Which, warns this article, could be rather capital-intensive.