Over 1,800 enterprises from 154 countries and regions converged in Hangzhou last week for the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), marking a 54% increase in international participation compared to 2023. The event underscores digital trade's growing role as a catalyst for global economic transformation, particularly in Asia's innovation-driven markets.
Digital Bridges Across Continents
From AI-powered logistics solutions to blockchain-enabled cross-border payments, exhibitors showcased technologies reshaping how businesses operate. A delegation from the Chinese mainland presented smart city integration models, while European participants highlighted digital sustainability initiatives. Notably, enterprises from the island of Taiwan displayed semiconductor collaboration frameworks attracting investor attention.
China's Digital Commerce Momentum
Liu Chunsheng, associate professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics, noted: "Digital trade now accounts for 12.9% of China's total goods trade, creating new pathways for SMEs to access global markets." The expo featured 135 new product launches, including AI translation tools facilitating real-time multilingual negotiations.
Balancing Innovation and Governance
Panel discussions addressed cybersecurity challenges and data sovereignty concerns, with representatives from the DPRK and ASEAN nations sharing regulatory approaches. The World Trade Organization's digital trade working group presented preliminary standards for cross-border data flows, signaling potential new frameworks for international cooperation.
