Germany-based internet incubator Rocket Internet has launched a partnership with Qatar-based telecommunications company Ooredoo to develop e-commerce and digital services businesses in Asia through a joint venture, to be called Asia Internet Holding.
The venture will operate in 15 markets across South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. Rocket Internet has already launched several growing companies in the region including Daraz.pk, Lamudi.com, Carmudi.com, Kaymu.com, Pricepanda.com and EasyTaxi.com.
The growing presence of mobile phones throughout the region is fuelling a substantial growth in the e-commerce market, particularly in Indonesia which is now Asia’s second largest e-commerce market, after China.
Ooredoo Group CEO Nasser Marafih said: “A fundamental shift is happening across our markets, as more people buy goods and services online through their mobile phones. This is even more evident in our Asian footprint.
“We believe that offering e-commerce services will further support our ambition of enriching people’s lives. We are pleased to have entered into a partnership with Rocket and look forward to harnessing their knowledge and experience gained elsewhere into making our joint venture an e-commerce market leader across Asia.”