Jack Ma proposes digital free trade zones for small business

Jack Ma, founder and chairman of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, on Thursday proposed the establishment of digital free trade zones for small businesses and called for Russia to become an e-hub intersection connecting Asia and Europe.

An e-hub is a digital free trade zone designed specifically for small businesses. Ma said services including logistics, payments, financing and inspections would be provided.

"Trains have stations and aircraft have airports. We should build an e-road that connects e-hubs around the world. It would be a paradise for SMEs to sell products that serve anywhere in the world," Ma said.