Dialog Axiata has struck a partnership with China’s Alipay, the world’s largest mobile and online payment platform, to extend its eZ Cash mobile wallet service to Chinese tourists in Sri Lanka.
“The Alipay mobile wallet service will now be available at merchants to cater to the needs of Alipay users from China, who frequently travel and shop in Sri Lanka,” a statement said.
“The partnership with Dialog will enable Alipay payment acceptance at a large base of local merchants, creating opportunities for local merchants to better target the large number of visiting Chinese tourists and expatriates living in Sri Lanka,” said Cherry Huang, General Manager for Alipay Cross-border Business in South and Southeast Asia.
Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata said the deal to facilitate Alipay customers with their payments in Sri Lanka through Dialog’s 20,000 strong eZ Cash retail partner network eliminates the hassle of converting currency.
“Through its first partnership in Sri Lanka, Alipay intends to expand reach by leveraging Dialog’s multiple merchants and touchpoints, extending payment services to Chinese visitors in Sri Lanka,” the statement said.
With over 700 million active registered users in mainland China, Alipay is an alternative cashless payment system predominantly used by Chinese public and offers the convenience of payment services without the need for large amounts of cash.
Alipay, the Alibaba affiliated mobile payments arm of China’s Ant Financial Services Group, is the highest valued fintech company in the world.