HANGZHOU: The third Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), which concludes here on Sunday, is a vibrant platform to promote global partnerships in digital trade and thus sustainable growth. Held in Hangzhou, a city known for its combination of ancient charm and modern innovation, the exhibition featured more than 1,500 enterprises, including more than 300 international companies. Attendees experienced cutting-edge innovations such as AI-controlled robots and hydrogen-powered drones, and were introduced to more than 400 new products and technologies. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev highlighted China’s role as a global leader in e-commerce and digital technologies, noting that China is accelerating the digital transformation of markets around the world. In a written interview with Xinhua, Madiyev said China’s experience offers valuable lessons for countries in the early stages of developing their digital markets, helping global growth and helping reduce digital inequality. He cited Kazakhstan’s efforts to improve telecommunications and cyber security by learning from China as the reason. In addition to cutting-edge technology, China’s experience with e-commerce is also an example for countries that want to take advantage of the rapid growth of digital commerce. Kilimall, an e-commerce platform founded by Chinese entrepreneurs in Africa in 2014, has become one of the most popular shopping destinations among Africans. It has created approximately 10,000 local jobs in logistics, courier services, customer support and regional sales. The cooperation between China and Africa in the digital economy “represents a new model of economic cooperation that creates tangible value for businesses and people on both sides,” said Uganda’s ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha. Digitization is a technological leap and a key engine for the future development of countries and businesses, said Jean Louis Robinson, Madagascar’s ambassador to China. “We want to work closely with Chinese companies to learn from China’s advanced experience in the digital economy and promote sustainable development in Madagascar,” he added. China’s advanced digital economy and huge market scale create huge opportunities for the world, experts and attendees at the fair said. “China is not just a sales market for us,” said Lyu Feng, head of public relations at Yokogawa China, a Japanese electronics firm. He highlighted China’s vast emerging industries, strong market demand and numerous high-tech companies. Lyu added that the company is emphasizing cooperation with Chinese enterprises to explore new opportunities, especially in digital transformation and carbon management in the manufacturing sector.
