Digital trade set to take wing

China's digital trade is poised for steady growth, fueled by advancements in cutting-edge technologies represented by artificial intelligence and a series of policy measures promoting its reform and innovative development, said officials and experts.

They highlighted that the booming digital trade has become a transformative force reshaping global trade, a strategic choice for countries around the world amid mounting uncertainties and a new engine for China's endeavor to build itself into a stronger trading nation.

The country's emphasis on bolstering the development of digital trade will foster new growth drivers for foreign trade, inject fresh impetus into high-quality economic growth and make contributions to the recovery of the global economy, they added.

Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, said amid a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, digital trade — which deeply integrates digital technologies with international trade — is demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.

"The commerce ministry will deepen reform and opening-up, ease market access in sectors such as telecommunications, internet and culture in an orderly manner, and facilitate foreign investment related to digital trade," Sheng said.

He made the remarks at the Fourth Global Digital Trade Expo, which concluded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 29.

Sheng stressed the need to accelerate the establishment of national digital trade demonstration zones and pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, nurture world-class leading enterprises in digital trade and support them to expand their footprint in international markets, while strengthening bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation.