The 4th Global Digital Trade Expo will take place from September 25 to 29 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, showcasing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital trade technologies. The expo spans 155,000 square meters and features a main pavilion, the “Future Tech Arena,” alongside seven themed zones, including AI, digital entertainment, and smart mobility.

More than 1,700 exhibitors from China and abroad are expected, with international attendance projected to exceed 10,000 and over 35,000 professional buyers invited. By mid-September, pre-event orders had surpassed CNY 4 billion ($562.5 million), including commitments from Spain and Italy. A new “digital trade investment day” will connect 100+ domestic innovation projects with leading global venture capital firms.

Exhibitors are highlighting generative AI, embodied robotics, and multimodal sensory technologies that combine voice, visual, and gesture inputs. For example, AI-enabled smart glasses weighing just 49 grams can display teleprompter scripts, translate content, navigate, take photos, and facilitate payments through simple voice or touch commands. These applications illustrate the growing role of AI in enhancing human-machine interaction and operational efficiency in digital trade.

The “Future Tech Arena” will feature embodied intelligent robots demonstrating AI's practical applications in trade ecosystems. STAR.VISION, a Chinese AI-driven satellite company, will present its Digital Trade Constellation 2035 plan, including four AI-enabled satellites with data-center level computing capabilities. A lunar mission in 2029 will test AI-driven scan-to-pay transactions as part of the Chang'e-8 international project.

The expo also showcases smart wearables and digital entertainment solutions that leverage AI for personalized services. AI algorithms can monitor health data, provide insights, and enhance user experiences, reflecting a broader industry trend of data-driven intelligent services.

Experts highlight that digital trade, which integrates technology with international commerce, is expanding trade boundaries, fostering new business models, and supporting trade resilience amid global economic uncertainties. Future developments are expected to rely increasingly on API integration and developer ecosystems, while balancing innovation with data privacy and security considerations.

The event offers a platform for both technology demonstration and strategic discussion, providing insights for companies looking to leverage AI and digital trade to enhance competitiveness and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.