Baidu invests in Uber and opens up platforms for connecting with drivers

Search engine Baidu will be investing in Uber and allow Baidu Map and its mobile search app Mobile Baidu users to connect with Uber drivers through these platforms.The two companies signed an agreement in Beijing today.Robin Li, CEO and chairman, said, “Uber’s rapid growth in the last four years is testimony to the tremendous demand for reliable transportation.""We are delighted that we can work together with Uber to help meet this demand.  We are also excited by this strategic partnership between a Chinese company and an American firm.”Meanwhile Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said, “The Asia-Pacific region has been a key area of growth for us. Our partnership with Baidu reflects our commitment to the region and the growing community of Uber riders and driver-partners there.”Uber currently operates in nine cities in China - Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Hangzhou.[Image]: Shutterstock