Cosco invests RMB1bn into SF Express

China’s top maritime conglomerate has firmed ties with the nation’s number one express operator.

State-run Cosco Shipping has bought RMB1bn ($157m) of shares in the parent of SF Express, one of the world’s fastest growing express operators.

Cosco said the move was aimed at strengthening both parties’ capabilities in areas such as big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain.