The first group of global promotion ambassadors. [Photo/Tide News]

The fifth Global Digital Trade Expo issued a worldwide invitation during its first promotional event in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, on April 13, coinciding with the opening of the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo.

Scheduled for Sept 23 to 27 in Hangzhou, the event will introduce several new highlights, including the debut of a dedicated Token Zone, showcasing an integrated ecosystem of AI models, computing power and electricity.

Hainan province will serve as the guest of honor, strengthening synergies between digital trade and consumption. So far, 2,030 professional buyers from 33 countries and regions have pre-registered.

The promotional event also witnessed the appointment of the first group of global promotion ambassadors, representing international organizations and business communities, who will help expand the expo's global reach. In addition, the event unveiled the expo's exclusive AI digital ambassador, Shu Xiaochao, designed to enhance digital engagement and promotion.

A trilateral cooperation agreement was signed between the Hangzhou and Ningbo areas of the Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone and the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan, highlighting growing collaboration in areas such as cross-border data flows and digital services.

The first international procurement list was also released, covering buyers from 20 countries and regions with an intended value of $200 million — an increase of 150 percent compared with the same period last year. Six leading enterprises, including Amazon and Hangzhou-based robotics firm StarSpecies Robot, signed preliminary participation agreements, underscoring the expo's growing influence as a global platform for digital trade innovation.

Hangzhou-based robotics firm StarSpecies Robot signs a preliminary participation agreement at the event. [Photo/StarSpecies Robot]