The Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) launched in Hangzhou this week, positioning itself as China's premier platform for advancing digital commerce and technological collaboration. With artificial intelligence (AI) innovations taking center stage, the event brings together 1,812 exhibitors from 154 countries and regions – including 381 international firms – to explore cutting-edge applications reshaping global trade.
This year's expo marks a 50% surge in international participation compared to 2024, with 33 global organizations and over 11,000 foreign buyers attending. The hybrid format combines exhibitions with specialized conferences and investment forums, creating opportunities for cross-border partnerships. A notable highlight includes live demonstrations of AI-driven logistics systems and digital trade platforms designed to streamline cross-border transactions.
Analysts highlight the event's growing influence in Asia's digital economy, particularly as Chinese tech firms unveil next-generation solutions for smart manufacturing and data security. 'The scale of participation reflects Asia's accelerating shift toward tech-driven trade models,' said Hangzhou-based economist Li Wei during a panel discussion.
With 42,000 professional attendees networking across 100+ thematic sessions, the expo serves as a critical meeting point for businesses eyeing Asia's $2.8 trillion digital economy. The concurrent release of a Digital Trade Development Index offers investors fresh insights into emerging market trends.
