(Yicai Global) Dec. 18 -- Chinese e-commerce platform JD.Com will join hands with the Thai government to promote trade between China and Thailand.

JD.Com and its Bangkok-based joint venture JD Central will cooperate with an international trade promotion division under the Thai commerce ministry, China News Service reported yesterday. The Beijing-based firm will offer small and medium-sized Thai companies support in terms of retail, business insights, delivery, and online payments to enter the Chinese market.

JD.Com and Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Thailand Post and other partners will help local firms with supply chain management, including logistics and smart warehousing to improve the efficiency of storing and deliveries. 

The Chinese firm will also work with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce to train talent in the field of online retail while providing research and internship opportunities in artificial intelligence and automation, among others.

JD.Com and Thai retail conglomerate Central Group kicked off JD Central in September to sell digital electronics, fashion, home appliances, books, music, and fast-moving consumer goods to Thai consumers online. 

JD Central's logistics chain covers the whole country of Thailand, partly relying on third-party channels, the Chinese parent said, adding that it already has a system of warehousing in place.

Editor: Emmi Laine