(Yicai Global) Feb. 7 -- Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding, said it is combining forces with the e-commerce logistics specialist of German courier giant Deutsche Post DHL Group to create one of the biggest parcel locker networks in Poland.

Cainiao and DHL eCommerce Solutions will invest EUR60 million (USD64.4 million) to build the network, with the aim of improving the quality and speed of Poland’s out-of-home delivery, the Hangzhou-based firm said in a statement yesterday. The deal inked between the two will also see DHL take an undisclosed stake in Cainiao’s Polish unit, it added.

The pair already operate 1,200 parcel lockers in Poland, one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Europe, and plan to first merge their existing networks to offer customers immediate and seamless access to their services.

“By combining both companies' logistics, technology, and e-commerce expertise, we aspire to deliver superior service to our clients and create an unmatched online shopping experience for consumers,” said William Xiong, chief strategy officer and head of Europe and Southeast Asia regions at Cainiao.

Pablo Ciano, chief executive of DHL eCommerce Solutions, said Poland’s e-commerce market is expected to double by 2027, while “up to 40 percent of consumers prefer to have shipments delivered to parcel lockers.”

Cainiao has a network of parcel lockers in Spain and France, and a regional hub in Liege, Belgium. The company also has launched several sorting centers in major European markets.

Editor: Martin Kadiev