The China (Ningbo) Cross-Border E-commerce Alliance is established in Ningbo on June 11. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn] 

The China (Ningbo) Cross-Border E-commerce Alliance was established in Ningbo on June 11, according to local media reports.

The move is part of local authorities' efforts to help local manufacturing enterprises cushion against the impact of the COVID-19 by tapping into overseas markets. 

The alliance was initiated by 22 local organizations, including foreign trade enterprises, plants, and universities. Hooya Group will serve as chairman of the alliance and be responsible for its operation. 

Li Guanding, vice mayor of Ningbo, said that cross-border e-commerce is an important engine for the growth of foreign trade in the city.

"Cross-border e-commerce has maintained double-digit growth this year despite the epidemic, and our overseas warehouse is still expanding," said Li, "Such an alliance is desirable, as it will help more foreign trade enterprises access the cross-border digital platform."

By the end of 2020, the alliance is expected to receive more than 500 new members. By 2025, the alliance hopes to achieve a combined 60 billion yuan ($8.69 billion) in exports from all its members, and hopes that its services will benefit 20,000 enterprises. 

The alliance is also expected to have 100 warehouses by 2025, which will cover an area of one million square meters in total. 

Official data show that imports through cross-border e-commerce platforms in the bonded area rose 57.2 percent to 5.88 billion yuan from January to April.