The fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou showcased the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and international trade cooperation, with participation figures rising across the board.
According to the Zhejiang Department of Commerce, the exhibition area exceeded 170,000 square meters, up 13.3% from the previous edition. The number of exhibitors reached 2,008, an increase of 10.3%, including 402 international companies, which accounted for over 20% of the total. Professional buyers totaled 51,000, up 21%, with international buyers reaching 12,100, up 10%. Buyers from developed regions such as Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea saw their share rise by 30%. Total visits reached 428,000, a jump of 67%.
Han Jun, deputy director of the Zhejiang Department of Commerce, said the expo highlighted AI features, with 226 debut launches and first-time exhibitions covering areas such as digital healthcare, digital entertainment, and digital travel. A total of 996 AI companies participated, roughly three times the number from the previous edition, bringing more than 100 AI application scenarios.
Han also noted that the expo established cooperation with 132 overseas business associations, pre-collected procurement demand lists, and held over 50 specialized trade matching events. One small and medium-sized exhibitor said it connected with more than ten potential clients from countries including Russia and Ethiopia in just three days.
Wang Yongfang, director of the Hangzhou Commerce Bureau, said the expo hosted the China headquarters of the Arab Digital Economy Alliance for the first time and held a China-Arab AI international cooperation dialogue. Nineteen Arab League countries, six ministerial-level officials, and over 60 foreign guests gathered in Hangzhou, with on-site signed intent deals worth USD 255 million.
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