China's Alibaba Group, in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Digital Transformation Association, held a forum to celebrate the start of operations in Ethiopia. At the event, Minister of State for Innovation and Technology, Dr. Yishrun Alemayehu, said that the launch of Alibaba Ali Express in Ethiopia is not only an indication of the entry of global e-commerce into the Ethiopian market, but also a demonstration of the work done to create a conducive environment for digital innovation and economic growth. This start is not only a new chapter for Ali Express, but it is also an opportunity for Ethiopian consumers and businessmen to trade products and services in the new world market and bring Ethiopia into international trade. It was also stated that Ethiopia should demonstrate its capacity and readiness to become a significant actor in the global digital economy by using digital tools and platforms provided by Alibaba. Ethiopian Airlines e-commerce logistics service manager Mr. Tewodros Ayalew has stated that Ethiopian Airlines Alibaba Group has prepared resources to provide e-commerce logistics services to facilitate e-commerce operations in Ethiopia. It is said that Ethiopian Airlines has made the biggest contribution to enable Alibaba Group to start operations in Ethiopia. Jeffrey Jiang, business director of Ali Express in the African market, who introduced the company's platform at the launch event of Ali Express Ethiopian Market held at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, said that Ali Express uses its international experience in e-commerce to connect Ethiopian consumers and businesses in one key strategic activity. At the event, the President of Ethiopian Digital Transformation Association, Pikko Andargachew, said that the association is working in cooperation with relevant bodies to help the effectiveness of Ethiopia's digital transformation activities. It has been stated that the association, through the mediation of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, gained experience by attending the Alibaba Group in China and did its part to start this line of communication.