What happened
The 5th Global Digital Trade Expo will be held from September 23 to 27 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as announced at a State Council Information Office press conference.
With the theme 'Meet AI Future at the Digital Trade Expo', the event will feature AI companies making up over one-third of exhibitors, a dedicated Token zone, and collective showcases of AI application pilot bases.
The expo will also host competitions including the World AI Open Source Contest, Embodied Intelligence Application Challenge, and Global Brain-Computer Interface Innovation Contest to accelerate AI technology deployment.
Why it matters
This expo highlights the growing integration of AI into trade and industry, offering a platform for showcasing full-chain innovation from general models to smart terminals.
The significant international participation and release of key reports signal China's push to lead in digital trade and AI-driven economic transformation.
Key facts
The expo will take place from September 23 to 27 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang.
AI companies account for over one-third of exhibitors, and a Token zone is being set up for the first time.
The total exhibition area is 170,000 square meters, with international exhibitors making up over 20%.
Malaysia and Hungary are the guest countries of honor, and overseas exhibition groups exceed the total of previous editions.
Representatives from 121 countries and regions and 29 international organizations have confirmed attendance.
Reports including the 'China Digital Trade Development Report 2026' and the 'Silk Road E-commerce Cooperation Development Report 2026' will be released.
What to watch next
The outcomes of discussions on topics like 'Silk Road E-commerce', cross-border data flows, and green trade could shape future digital trade policies.
The AI competitions and pilot base showcases may reveal emerging trends and breakthroughs in AI applications.