CES Asia unites with Alibaba to showcase tech breakthroughs

Visitors watch a robot dancing at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia in Shanghai, May 27, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

"Three focuses for the event are the Internet of Things, connectivity and innovation," Shapiro said. "For the first time, a special area that focuses on startups, the same as the 'Eureka Park' that was shown in the Las Vegas International CES, will be built in the venue ... more than 20 French startups will also set up booths in the area."

There will be a separate demonstration area for drones.

Automobile companies will showcase the latest tech in the industry, such as self-driving cars. Shapiro noted the distinct difference between auto shows versus CES.

"CES is more focused on the future technology and the eco-systems that behind the cars while auto shows are about what products that consumers can purchase today," he said.

Participating automobile companies will include BMW, Maserati, Volvo and General Motors, said John Kelley, senior director of International Programs and show director of CES Asia.

Yin Jing, president of Tmall 3C & Home Appliance Business Unit of Alibaba Group, said that the CES Asia 2016 triggers the start of collaboration between Alibaba and CTA, and the two sides will extend further cooperations at the International CES 2017 held in Las Vegas.

"The active buyers on Alibaba's e-commerce platforms have surpassed 400 million, which is higher than the entire population of the US," Yin said.

According Alibaba Group research, one quarter of active buyers, who have been born since 1980, are the firm's in-depth consumers, and have contributed 80 percent of the turnover of the platforms.

"The key buyers are keen on purchasing high quality products that are not limited to domestic goods, and they are shopping globally through Alibaba's platforms," Yin added. "3C and home appliance products are the pioneers for feeding the demand of the emerging buyers."