UK mail operator Royal Mail has announced it has extended its offer through the Alibaba platform. Chinese companies will be able to opt for Royal Mail delivery through the AliExpress option and have their goods delivered within two weeks of despatch.

The system, which has been in place for some time, allows fast and secure delivery of parcels from China to the UK. Once they have opted for Royal Mail, goods will be air freighted to the UK and then sent by First Class or 48 hour delivery from the airport to the customer. The system is far faster than other means of delivery which are often insecure and take up to a month to be delivered.

Goods sent from China will have a 2D barcode printed on them, and both sender and recipient will be able to track the goods as they pass through key points on their journey.

China is Royal Mail’s largest import market and the deal should significantly benefit the postal operator while further opening up the UK to China. Director of Royal Mail International Richard Snowdon said of the deal, “We are focused on our strategy of growing import and export volumes, and developing e-commerce solutions is an important part of that. Faster, secure, high quality delivery options are key, as parcel transit times and tracking visibility are important to international e-retailers and consumers alike. China is Royal Mail’s largest import country partner, and Royal Mail’s new service for AliExpress further complements this important strategic partnership.”

UK Prime Minister David Cameron is so keen on building the UK’s relationship with China that he has made the founder of Alibaba an advisor to help two way trade between businesses in China and the UK. Businesses should see exports to China improve in the coming months, with Alibaba a key player in enabling that to happen.