[Vidoe message]
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to join you, even from a distance, for the opening of the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo.
On behalf of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), I extend my warm congratulations to the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Government of the Zhejiang Province and the Organizing Committee.
I was in Hangzhou only recently, last month, and I was struck by the energy of its innovation ecosystem – something one feels in the conversations, the pace and the ambition of its people. It is fitting that this Expo should take place in Hangzhou.
This year’s theme, “AI Empowers Digital Trade,” could not be more timely.
Trade has always been transformed by technology. What is different today is the speed and scale of that transformation. AI can help a small firm understand demand, reach new customers and participate in global markets. It can reduce costs, overcome distance, create opportunities.
But these gains are not automatic, and they are not yet equally shared.
Without infrastructure, skills and access to finance, new technologies can deepen existing divides – between countries, firms and people.
At UNCTAD, we believe digital trade must be open, fair and development oriented. And this requires investment in connectivity and skills. It requires rules that encourage innovation while protecting competition, consumers and trust. Above all, it requires cooperation, because the digital economy crosses borders even when our policies do not.
We greatly value our cooperation with China and welcome the role of this Expo in encouraging dialogue, partnership and practical solutions. UNCTAD stands ready to deepen this cooperation.
Let’s remember that progress is not measured by the power of our tech, but by the benefits it gives to people. I wish you a successful Expo. Thank you. Xiè Xie.