Ali B2B business integration: Zhang Kuo oversees 1688 and international sites, with AI-driven integration of domestic and international markets

Alibaba announced that it will merge and unify the B2B services of 1688 (domestic trade wholesale) and Alibaba International Site (cross-border wholesale). This business segment will be fully managed by Zhang Kuo, while Yu Yong, who was previously in charge of 1688, will take on a new role within the group. This adjustment aims to utilize artificial intelligence technology to integrate domestic supply chain advantages and connect domestic and international markets, thereby creating more business opportunities for merchants and improving global trade efficiency. Both 1688 and Alibaba International Site are two of Alibaba’s earliest established B2B platforms, each having been in operation for over 20 years. In the financial report released in August 2026, these two businesses were classified under the “Global Wholesale” segment.