Alibaba

Alibaba refers to a Chinese multinational conglomerate specializing in e-commerce, retail, internet, and technology. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma and others, it started as a platform for businesses to connect with manufacturers, particularly in the export sector. The company operates various services, including Alibaba.com for wholesale trade, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer retail, and Tmall for business-to-consumer retail. It also has interests in cloud computing, digital media, and entertainment. Alibaba is one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world, facilitating transactions between businesses and consumers globally. The name is derived from the character Ali Baba from the folk tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," symbolizing openness and the ability to access treasures in commerce.