Advancing Collaboration in Digital Age

Amidst accelerating global changes where technological disruption intertwines with geopolitical turmoil, the trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation remains unchanged, according to the Open Cooperation Forum, a core event of the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) held on September 9.

Participants from governments, international organizations and the business community underscored China's efforts to advance high-level opening-up with CIFTIS as a major platform, and shared their insights on open market and international collaboration.

This year's CIFTIS has brought together 90 countries, regions and international organizations, with more than 1800 enterprises taking part, a great demonstration of China's commitment to advancing high-level opening up for countries around the world to share opportunities, said Michael Parker, chairman of the Ireland-China Friendship Association.

As a new wave of technological and industrial transformation accelerates, data has evolved from a supporting resource into a key production factor, and digital trade has grown from a new business form into the most dynamic engine of international trade.

Beijing has launched its first cross-border platform for embodied AI data factors, offering cross-border data flow, trusted data spaces, model R&D support, and compliance governance — turning data from silent assets into flowing capital, said Li Wenhua, executive deputy mayor of Beijing's Shijingshan district.

However, technology alone is not enough, said Murat Seitnepesov, president of the General Caspian Association (GCA), who pointed out that international expansion requires trusted networks, local knowledge and institutional coordination.

The GCA has partnered with the International Transport Association, the International Freight Association, the Bank of China (BOC), and UN bodies to promote trade and boost Belt and Road trade flows, said Seitnepesov, who especially thanked the BOC for its financial support. See page 4

The BOC has set branches in 64 countries and regions overseas, covering 45 Belt and Road partner countries, and enjoys a highly pronounced cross-border business advantage. At this year's CIFTIS, BOC opened a dedicated zone for corporate overseas expansion, showcasing its cross-border financial services, said Cai Xinghua, president of the bank's Beijing branch.

AI is becoming a major driver of the digital economy and it is increasingly obvious that AI development is not only a process of technological innovation, but also one of industrial collaboration.

Qualcomm's Senior Vice President Qian Kun said China's large digital economy and active developer ecosystem make it a major AI frontier. Through collaboration with local partners, Qualcomm has not only fueled local innovation but also gained replicable experience. And these experiences are being extended to global markets.

It is precisely this open cooperation that keeps amplifying innovation outcomes and bringing them to more industries and users, Qian remarked, adding that CIFTIS offers an open platform for industry exchange and cooperation.

Source: Science and Technology Daily