HANGZHOU: February 14, 2017. CMA CGM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its customers to use Alibaba's 'One Touch' shipping platform.

The move follows last month's announcement by Maersk Line that it had begun offering the same service to merchants.

Alibaba purchased OneTouch from Shenzhen One-Touch Enterprise Service in November 2010. The platform provides a "one-stop" import and export service for SMEs covering Customs clearance, logistics and financing.

According to Alibaba, the enabler has "streamlined the business processes of global trade players by centralizing scattered trade-related services for SMEs and individuals, enabling them to lower operating costs, improve efficiencies and access capital for developing their business".

CMA CGM said it would offer One Touch booking for shipments ex-China to the Mediterranean and Adriatic area via its MEX1 and BEX liner services.

MEX 1 connects Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo and Yantian with Barcelona and Valencia, while its BEX service links Shanghai, Ningbo and Chiwan with the Adriatic ports of Rijeka, Koper, Trieste and Venice.

Alibaba reported 4th quarter 2016 net income of US$2.47 billion on revenue of US$7.66 billion.