HONG KONG - The U.S. Postal Service has initiated a new service with Hongkong Post that is structured to foster growth in e-commerce. The new ePacket service expands the array of options offered to e-commerce merchants in Hong Kong seeking to reach consumer markets in the United States. The ePacket shipping solution features tracking and Delivery Confirmation in the Postal Service network for lightweight goods and merchandise ordered by consumers in the United States from merchants in Hong Kong.

ePacket service offers consumers in the U.S. and e-commerce merchants in Hong Kong with in-process scanning information and Delivery Confirmation notification available through Hongkong Post's tracking system and through Track and Confirm at usps.com.

Merchants selecting the shipping solution through Hongkong Post are now able to ship small packages weighing up to two kilograms (4.4 pounds) using co-branded shipping labels. Upon arrival in the United States, these packages receive First-Class Mail service with Delivery Confirmation service.

"This agreement offers visibility previously unavailable in the small packet segment between Hongkong Post and the Postal Service," said Paul Vogel, president and chief marketing/sales officer. "It shows the Postal Service has the flexibility to develop service options to meet market demand from businesses around the world. Further, it solidifies our role as a key supplier in global commerce."

Hongkong Post's agreement with the Postal Service includes jointly developed data-rich shipping labels integrated with barcoding technology readable by both Hongkong Post and the Postal Service, along with logistics planning and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) information exchanges.

Joining Vogel today for a ceremony to formalize the agreement were Eddie Mak, deputy postmaster general, Hongkong Post; and Jeff Liao, CEO, eBay Greater China, South East Asia and Japan.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.