China and ASEAN countries has launched a cross-border e-commerce platform. It is expected to assist with free trade in Asia. And it comes much of the world witnesses rising trade protectionism and anti-globalization.

Linking one of the world's busiest trade areas, the China-ASEAN e-commerce platform is expected to make cross-border trade much easier.

"In the past, if you wanted to sell something to another country, you would need to solve problems such as with logistics, money transactions and customs permits," said Gong Zhenyu, president, Suning International.

"These are all obstacles for small companies to go global, but the e-commerce platform provides exactly these services to companies."

Officials from ASEAN countries say the platform will help their countries increase exports to China.

"We strongly believe that our SMEs will be particularly benefited from the platform, as it offers unique advantages compared to the traditional marketing and promotional efforts of products and services in an attempt to internationalize their businesses," said Liew Sew Yee, Vice President, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

A Trump victory in the United States and the UK's Brexit referendum to leave the EU... show the rising trend of trade protectionism.

Some say it's because small businesses don't get the same benefits from global trade as big multinationals.

China is urging world leaders to resist protectionism, and instead look for innovative solutions to the problem.

This year's G20 Summit approved a China-backed plan to build an e-commerce platform that is hoped will eventually cover the entire world.

"With over 260 million internet users, ASEAN enjoys the fastest speed in the growth of users. China and ASEAN are mutually complimentary in economic structures, and e-commerce will give a further boost to trade relations," said Jiang Zengwei, President, China Council for Promotion of Int'l Trade.

The very first step to an ambitious global e-commerce platform, in defense of free and open trade.