The fifth Global Digital Trade Expo concludes on Sept 27 in Hangzhou. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The fifth Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) concluded on Sept 27 in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, attracting exhibitors and buyers from 163 countries and regions, along with representatives from 40 international organizations.

The expo covered 170,000 square meters, up 13.3 percent from the previous edition, and hosted 2,008 offline exhibitors, up 10.3 percent. More than 50,000 professional buyers attended, up 20 percent, while total visits reached 428,000, an increase of 67 percent.

AI was a major focus, with 996 AI companies showcasing more than 100 application scenarios. The expo featured 226 product launches, debut demonstrations, and first exhibitions spanning digital healthcare, entertainment, mobility, and other sectors.

International participation also expanded. Malaysia and Hungary served as guest countries of honor, while more than 12,000 international buyers attended. More than 100 reports, rankings, initiatives, and industry agreements were released.

The expo also strengthened business matchmaking, establishing partnerships with 132 overseas business associations and holding more than 50 trade-matching events. More than 10,000 teams took part in technology competitions covering AI, embodied intelligence, and brain-computer interfaces.

From January to August, Hangzhou's digital trade volume reached 254.1 billion yuan ($37.84 billion), accounting for 38.4 percent of Zhejiang's total. The city plans to further expand global digital trade cooperation and develop new opportunities driven by AI.