Dates: 25th – 27th September 2024
Location: Hangzhou, China
The Global Digital Trade Expo is China’s only national-level international professional exhibition on digital trade. Its goals include establishing a worldwide digital trade network, exploring international cooperation opportunities, promoting the growth of global digital trade, and sharing industry achievements. The 3rd Global Digital Trade Expo is a premier platform for enterprises and purchasers to connect, collaborate, and innovate.
The 3rd Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) was officially hosted at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center from 25 to 29 September. Under the theme “Digital Trade, Global Access,” the expo brings together nearly 100 countries and international organizations, engaging over 1 500 enterprises. Over 30 000 purchasers have registered for the event, with more than 6 000 from foreign countries and regions.
This year’s expo features nine (9) diverse pavilions, each showcasing innovations and advancements in the digital trade sector. The pavilions include the following:
- Comprehensive Exhibition Pavilion
- Data & Finance Pavilion
- Silk Road E-Commerce Pavilion
- AI Pavilion
- Smart Travel Pavilion
- Digital Entertainment Pavilion
- Digital Healthcare Pavilion
- Smart City Pavilion
- Consumer Electronics Pavilion
Exhibitors demonstrated their latest products, services, and breakthroughs, fostering global cooperation and exchange in the digital trade areas.
The Southern Africa Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Liaison Association was honoured to have collaborated with the South African Small Enterprise Development Agency to lead outstanding South African small enterprises to visit and engage in exchanges in Hangzhou. Our delegation included 16 enterprises (incl. 10 selected by SEDA and 6 external from SEDA). These companies represent a broad range of industries.
Key Highlights from GDTE 2024:
- Cutting-edge Technologies: The expo featured the latest digital trade technologies, such as AI-powered platforms and blockchain solutions for secure global transactions.
- Global Participation: Countries worldwide displayed their technological advancements, fostering dialogue around market expansion and international digital trade cooperation.
- Networking Opportunities: Our delegation formed potential partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders in the global digital trade ecosystem.
Jinhua Visit: Exploring Digital Giants
Date: 28 and 29 September
Location: Jinhua, China
After the expo, the team visited Jinhua to engage with three of the region’s most prominent digital companies: Merit-link, Mr Huolang, and Cujia CJ DROP SHIPPING. These companies are recognized as the most successful digital enterprises in Jinhua, contributing significantly to the region’s economic and technological growth.
- Merit-link: A world-class leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of power tools, outdoor power equipment, and hardware-related products. During our business engagement with Merit-link, we gained valuable insights into their operational model, including a platform that directly connects international buyers, allowing them to place orders shipped to the buyer’s business warehouse or customers.
Additionally, the meeting included representatives from the Jinhua Trade Promotion Association. Each small enterprise representative briefly introduced their business, outlining the products or partnerships they sought in China. Afterwards, the Jinhua Trade Promotion Association representatives held one-on-one meetings with each South African enterprise, helping many of them find the Chinese products and original product suppliers they needed.
- Mr Huolang: Operating with a hybrid business model that combines e-commerce and physical retail, Mr Huolang offers a wide range of products, from household goods to consumer electronics. The company has become a key player in integrating digital and traditional consumer experiences, creating a seamless online and in-store shopping experience for customers.
The delegation stepped into Mr Huolang’s spacious and well-lit showroom, where various products were displayed. Each item reflected the excellent craftsmanship and boundless creativity of Chinese manufacturing. The range was overwhelming, from everyday essentials to artisanal crafts, from fashionable clothing to high-tech electronic products. The delegation carefully examined the products’ quality, design, and features, engaging with the staff to inquire about details. This exchange is hoped to pave the way for promising trade cooperation between China and South Africa.
- Cujia CJ DROP SHIPPING: Specializing in providing digital supply chain services to overseas small and medium-sized sellers, Cujia CJ DROP SHIPPING offers seamless integration between suppliers and online retailers. The company has expanded its business into North Africa and is looking to further develop in Southern Africa. South Africa, in particular, presents a suitable market for their services, offering promising growth opportunities.
Although our meeting lasted only 30 minutes, the delegation showed great interest in Cujia’s business model and actively engaged with questions throughout the discussion.
Conclusion
The combination of the Global Digital Trade Expo and the visits to Jinhua’s top digital companies highlighted the growing importance of digital commerce and its influence on global markets. The experience provided valuable insights into the workings of digital supply chains, innovative business models, and the opportunities available for growth in this sector.