Alibaba Group and China Post are planning a joint smart logistics network in small cities and rural areas.

Alibaba founder and chairman Jack Ma and China Post's general manager Li Guohua signed a deal on Thursday to deliver online purchases anywhere in China within 24 hours.

The two companies will share warehouses, processing centers and delivery resources.

Alibaba hopes to extend its reach to third and fourth tier cities and even the countryside with the help of China Post's offices in rural areas.

The two parties are also considering international deliveries through China Post's global logistics network.