Courier YTO Express on fast route to riches

Yu realizes that the group must continue to evolve. There are plans to take YTO public, but a timetable has yet to be announced, while the company is aiming to build a highly competitive international network in the future.

An overseas business department was set up last year, and the company has registered its trademark in more than 100 countries.

"About 20 overseas branches will be established next year, in countries including South Korea, Australia, the United States, Thailand, India, Russia and France," Yu said.

"But there is still a long way to go for domestic delivery companies to catch up with international competitors."

Building an international brand takes time, but SF Express, STO Express Co Ltd and, of course, YTO, are refining their global strategies.

SF Express has extended its network to Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

"We plan to expand further into Asia next year as well as move into the European market," Li Jialin, CEO of SF Express' international business division, told Reuters.

Li at Minsheng Securities has his own views on what is the best route for domestic firms to take when casting envious eyes at the global marketplace.

"Cooperation with international delivery companies is the way ahead for Chinese companies that are interested in expanding their networks beyond the country," Li Shiqing said.

As for YTO, Yu is looking at diversifying part of the business to increase the bottom line and stay competitive.

Naturally, the express delivery service will stay at the core of the company's operations, but IT, finance and cultural projects are being considered.

"While our development is centered on fast delivery, we are also planning to diversify, such as raising the portion of our side businesses from 1 percent to 5 percent within the next five years," Yu said.

"We will do this through cooperation and diversification. By combining the strength of both parties, we can make '1+1=3'."