The smart logistics hub is a key part of the agreement made in 2018 between Alibaba Group and the Belgian government to join the global Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative, which aims to lower barriers to global trade for small and medium-sized businesses via e-commerce, the company said in a statement.

Cainiao chose Liege Airport to build the hub for its central position, efficient infrastructure, unparalleled logistics expertise and the region's formidable pool of talent.

The construction of this first warehouse, wholly designed by Belgian architects, started in late 2019 and commenced operations earlier this year after a series of successful trials.

The 30,000-square-metre warehouse is divided into two parts: a 12,000-square-metre air cargo station for the rapid transit of goods for both exports and imports; and a 18,000-square-metre parcel sorting centre that organises parcels according to their destinations across Europe.

A four-storey office building with an area 3,000 square metres is adjacent to the warehouse.

The facility is equipped with Cainiao's latest logistics digital technologies such as Cainiao LEMO PDA, a light-weight handhold operations terminal designed and developed by Cainiao in order to digitise the flow of goods.

"Cainiao is an ambitious and innovative partner, a partner who pushes us to reinvent ourselves and to be better. Like other important partners of Liege Airport, Cainiao will help us grow in a win-win relationship which finds its full meaning in the development projects that are ours," said Frederic Jacquet, CEO of Liege Airport.

Wan Lin, CEO of Cainiao Network, said: "Together with our European partners, we will build the future of smart logistics, of inclusive global trade and contribute to the future of a community with immense potential here in Belgium, starting with this eWTP Hub."