Cainiao Network will serve as the official logistics provider for Pakistani e-commerce marketplace Daraz, including the over 1,800 merchants on the platform, a press release confirmed.

The new cross-border shipping service is expected to cut around 10 percent in logistics costs and includes local pick-ups in China, first-mile sortation, international line-haul services, digital customs clearance, sorting, and after-sales customer service.

Cainiao will provide air freight shipping services from China to South Asia, with 13 weekly flights to Pakistan and 8 weekly flights to Bangladesh. Last-mile delivery will be provided by Daraz Express and affiliated local logistics partners in both countries.

Online sellers on Daraz who also sell on Alibaba platforms can also consolidate their parcels for shipping through Cainiao. The Alibaba logistics unit said the new service to South Asia is expected to result in around 10 percent savings in logistics costs and a 20 to 25 percent improvement in delivery efficiency.

Cainiao sees opportunity in the region given growing internet penetration in Pakistan and Bangladesh, with a total internet user population of over 130 million.