Digital Economy Development and Governance in China (Beijing Institute of Technology)

4 Dec 2023 16:30h - 18:00h UTC

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Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the UNCTAD eWeek session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the UNCTAD website.

Full session report

LIANG Hong

China’s digital economy is experiencing rapid growth, cementing its position as the second largest in the world. In 2022, the scale of China’s digital economy reached an impressive 50.2 trillion RMB yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 10.3%. Furthermore, China’s digital economy now contributes 41.5% of the world’s GDP, highlighting its significant global impact.

Recognizing the importance of openness and cooperation, China and more than 10 countries have initiated the One Belt, One Road Digital Economy International Cooperation Summit. This emphasises the role of collaboration in advancing the global digital economy.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has actively promoted global digital economy cooperation through various initiatives, including e-commerce and digital economy technical cooperation projects, digital economy week activities, and expert meetings. China acknowledges the OPCW’s efforts and expresses its willingness to deepen cooperation.

The successful forum held by the Polytechnic University exemplifies effective collaboration between e-commerce, the digital economy, and the Long-Term Investment Group. This event strengthens ties between the Chinese academic community and international digital economy organizations. The Long-Term Investment Group acts as a bridge, facilitating exchange and dialogue between stakeholders.

In summary, China’s digital economy has experienced significant growth and contributes significantly to global GDP. The emphasis on openness and cooperation, demonstrated through initiatives like the One Belt, One Road Digital Economy International Cooperation Summit, highlights the importance of collaboration in the digital economy’s development. The OPCW’s efforts in promoting cooperation and the successful partnership between the Polytechnic University and the Long-Term Investment Group further exemplify effective collaboration in driving the digital economy forward.

JIANG Guangzhi

Offline transactions refer to traditional physical purchase methods, where consumers have to physically visit a restaurant or establishment to buy food. On the other hand, online transactions have revolutionized the way consumers can purchase food by allowing them to do so through online platforms. This evolution from offline to online transactions is seen in a positive light, highlighting the convenience and efficiency it brings to consumers.

The positive stance towards the evolution of offline transactions to online systems suggests that people are embracing the convenience and accessibility provided by online platforms. With online transactions, consumers can now conveniently browse through menus, place orders, and make payments from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates the need for physical travel and saves time and effort for consumers.

The availability of online platforms also allows for greater choice and variety for consumers. They can explore a wider range of restaurants and food options, browsing through different menus and reviews to make informed choices. This increased competition among restaurants also promotes innovation and improvement in their menus and services, further enhancing the overall consumer experience.

Moreover, the shift towards online transactions aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This sustainable development goal encourages the promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, innovation, and the development of robust infrastructure. The evolution from offline to online transactions plays a part in achieving this goal by utilising technology and digital platforms to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the food purchasing process.

While the positive stance towards the evolution of offline transactions is notable, it is important to recognise that offline transactions still hold significance in certain contexts. Some consumers may prefer the traditional method of physically visiting a restaurant to enjoy the experience, ambiance, and social interactions associated with dining out. Additionally, offline transactions may provide employment opportunities for individuals within the restaurant industry.

In conclusion, the evolution from offline to online transactions in the context of purchasing food has garnered a positive reception, as it offers consumers convenience, choice, and efficiency. This shift aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and promotes the use of technology and digital platforms to enhance the overall consumer experience. However, it is necessary to acknowledge that offline transactions still hold value in certain situations and can provide unique social and employment aspects.

SUN Jungong

China’s digital economy has emerged as a crucial factor for economic development. It has demonstrated impressive resilience, maintaining high levels of steady growth even during natural disasters and pandemics. This resilience has been attributed to the strong vitality and motivation of the digital economy, which continued to generate significant growth even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The digital economy’s contribution to China’s GDP has been consistently rising. Despite challenges posed by epidemics, the digital economy has made a significant and growing contribution to the country’s GDP from 2017 to 2022. This shows its importance as a driver of economic growth, even during epidemic years.

The digital economy has also enabled fair competition between small and large enterprises. Through digital platforms, small enterprises can now compete on an equal footing with larger ones. This has important implications for reducing inequalities and fostering a more dynamic business environment.

Youth participation in e-commerce has significantly increased due to the digital economy. Platforms like Tianmeng International have seen a surge in young buyers, with 50% of buyers on the platform belonging to the 90s generation. This trend highlights the growing consumption potential of the digital economy, with more young people actively participating in online shopping and driving growth.

Moreover, the digital economy has played a crucial role in promoting China’s globalization. Tianmeng International, a Chinese platform, has attracted over 46,000 platforms from more than 90 countries and regions. Additionally, more than 2,000 online brands have chosen Tianmeng International to launch their first store in China, indicating the increasing influence of the digital economy on global trade dynamics.

However, the diversification of social groups and value orientations resulting from the digital economy have also led to potential conflicts and disputes. Effective social governance mechanisms are thus needed to address these challenges and maintain social stability.

The rapid advancement of technology associated with the digital economy has brought about a significant transformation in traditional governance systems. This challenges conventional understanding and acceptance of established governance systems, calling for the development of new approaches that align with the changing landscape of the digital economy.

In conclusion, China’s digital economy is vital for economic development, demonstrating resilience and making significant contributions to GDP even in challenging times. It empowers small enterprises, attracts young participants, promotes globalization, and leads to innovations in consumer decision-making systems. However, its rapid growth also poses challenges related to social conflicts and the need for adapted governance systems. Efforts to achieve trade reform and establish new trade rules reflect the recognition of the transformative impact of the digital economy and the desire to foster a fair and inclusive business environment.

Alex Kunzelmann

The organisation has been focusing on electronic transactions and electronic commerce for the past 30 years, particularly with the advancements in technology. This shows their commitment to staying up-to-date with the current trends and developments in this field. The technological advancements have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of electronic commerce. The organisation recognises the complexity of electronic transactions, which can refer to different aspects such as the conclusion of contracts, communications between parties, delivery of digital content, and the digitalization of upstream processes.

To accurately measure the impact of the digital economy, ANCETRO, a component of the organisation, is working on developing metrics. However, it is important to note that ANCETRO does not develop its own metrics for the digital economy but instead looks to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for those metrics. This collaboration with UNCTAD reflects the organisation’s commitment to working together with other entities to achieve their goals.

Concerns exist about the existing legal framework for electronic transactions, as the emergence of digital platforms has questioned the relevance of the current commercial law system. The organisation stresses the need to regulate these platforms and monitor the operators, particularly from a business-to-business perspective. They are interested in any legislation that applies to regulating platform operators, as it is crucial for ensuring fair and efficient transactions in the digital economy.

Furthermore, the organisation has a positive outlook on the ongoing collaboration between UNCTAD and China. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Ministry of Commerce of China and UNCTAD, indicating a strong partnership between the two. China, being a member state of UNCTAD, has been instrumental in sharing its digital developments and legislation, which has greatly contributed to the development of new texts in this field.

In conclusion, the organisation has dedicated significant attention to electronic transactions and electronic commerce, especially in light of the current technological advancements. They have collaborated with UNCTAD and China to develop metrics for the digital economy and learn from their digital developments and legislation. However, the existing legal framework for electronic transactions faces challenges due to the evolution towards digital platforms. The organisation emphasises the importance of regulating these platforms and monitoring their operators to ensure fair and efficient transactions in the digital economy.

ZHAHNG Jun

Beijing is widely recognized as a leading city in the development of the digital economy, ranking third globally in the Digital Cities Index 2022. This highlights the city’s significant progress in leveraging digital technologies for economic growth and innovation.

One key aspect contributing to Beijing’s digital economy dominance is its impressive growth in the added value of the sector. From 2015 to 2022, the added value of Beijing’s digital economy increased from 871.9 billion yuan to a staggering 1.7 trillion yuan. This growth showcases the city’s ability to create a thriving digital ecosystem and its positive impact on overall economic growth.

Beijing’s digital economy also plays a vital role in driving its economic prosperity, as it accounted for 44.3% of the city’s GDP in the first three quarters of this year. This demonstrates the importance of the digital sector in creating decent work opportunities and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Moreover, Beijing is at the forefront of technological advancement, with leading industrial scale in sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, industrial internet, and digital human. The city is home to eight out of Forbes’ top 100 digital companies, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation.

In addition to its focus on technological advancement, Beijing has invested significantly in digital infrastructure to support the development of a smart city. The city has built 104,000 5G base stations, with 27,000 new ones added in 2023. This investment ensures seamless connectivity and advanced digital services.

Beijing has also driven the development of the data market by establishing the first pilot zone for the basic data system in China. This initiative enhances data-driven innovation and availability of data resources across sectors. The success of the Beijing International Big Data Exchange, with a data transaction scale surpassing 2 billion yuan, underscores the city’s pivotal role in the data market’s growth.

Overall, Beijing’s position as a leader in the digital economy, technology advancement, digital infrastructure investment, and driving the data market demonstrates its commitment to embracing digitalization for economic growth and sustainability. The city serves as a model for others seeking to leverage the digital economy’s power for progress and prosperity.

Audience

The Global Digital Economy Conference and think tank have extended an invitation to join their efforts in developing Beijing’s digital economy. The think tank, comprising 15-20 individuals, aims to actively contribute to the advancement of the digital sector. Meanwhile, a subsidiary of China Mobile is engaged in the development of digital figures, focusing on mobile network content development and service.

During the conference, there was a discussion around the concept of “offline transactions,” and the audience sought clarification on its meaning. The topic of electronic commerce and the harmonisation of commercial law surfaced, highlighting the need to address legal frameworks for both online and offline transactions. Ancetral, an organisation with a 30-year history of studying commercial law, emphasised the interconnectedness of e-commerce and the harmonisation of commercial law in light of technological advancements.

Notably, China and other major economies are spearheading a movement away from the global internet towards alternative web platforms. This shift could potentially have far-reaching consequences and reshape the digital landscape. Additionally, the conference examined the contribution of the digital economy to global GDP, with estimates suggesting that it constitutes a significant portion of Singapore and China’s GDP.

The regulation of large digital players to prevent unfair competition was a key argument made during the conference. The example of Alibaba, a major platform in the digital market, was cited to illustrate the necessity of market regulation in this context. Furthermore, the discussion also delved into international cooperation and China’s role in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding digital trade. Specifically, questions arose about China’s position and objectives within the WTO space, particularly on the issues of Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) and e-commerce.

The recent announcement by the US representative regarding changes in the World Trade Organisation General Council (WTO GSI) sparked interest, prompting the audience to inquire about China’s perspective on these developments. Speculation arose regarding China’s stance, and it was noted that some US tech companies and their allies believe these changes may benefit China.

Overall, the conference provided valuable insights into the development of Beijing’s digital economy, the impact of the digital landscape on global GDP, the necessity of market regulation, and the significance of international cooperation within the WTO framework.

WEI Yiming

China’s digital economy has experienced remarkable growth, with the total volume reaching 7,000 in 2022. It has contributed an impressive 41.5% to China’s GDP. This growth has been driven by a digital economy annual growth rate of over 9.7% in recent years. The unprecedented expansion of China’s digital economy is a testament to its success in embracing and harnessing digital technologies.

However, there are challenges that China faces in its digital economy. Cultural adaptation to digital change is lagging, and there is a need for greater global cooperation in this field. The digital inclusion system also needs improvement, and there is a call for a balance between technological innovation and regulation. These challenges highlight the importance of addressing governance and domestic economic development in the process of digital economy growth.

Infrastructure development and international cooperation are key factors in promoting the digital economy. China has made significant strides in 5G infrastructure development and application in recent decades. Additionally, the establishment of 17 national agreements for digital second law agreements demonstrates China’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating an enabling legislative environment. Investments are being directed towards infrastructure development to support the growth of the digital economy.

Action plans need to be designed to address the challenges in the digital economy. Emphasising international solidarity to narrow the digital gap and promoting digital economy initiatives to foster a digital market openness are crucial steps. It is also important to support the dissemination of information and knowledge, invest in digital technology, and establish an independent cooperation mechanism.

China has identified the digital economy as a national strategy, recognising its potential for driving economic development. It acknowledges the need to shift from high growth rate to high-quality growth, which will be facilitated through the development of the digital economy. This strategy aligns with the global perspective, as understanding the development of the digital economy requires both a national and global outlook.

Inequality of wealth in China is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. However, the digital economy can also serve as a key force in tackling this issue. By leveraging the opportunities offered by the digital economy, measures can be implemented to reduce wealth inequality and promote inclusive growth.

The development of the digital economy has had a profound impact on social fairness and justice. It has created opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete with larger traditional companies. The digital economy has transformed consumer behaviour, providing better price-performance ratios and value creation. It has also elevated consumer rights and provided platforms for international brands to enter the Chinese market.

Despite the challenges faced, the digital economy has shown resilience and growth. Even during the severe COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the digital economy in China continued to present significant growth rates and contribute to the GDP. This showcases the capacity of the digital economy to adapt and thrive in the face of sudden disasters and epidemics.

It is important to note that the development of the digital economy goes beyond its economic dimension. It influences social interactions, social governance, and data flow. It requires the introduction of new social governance or digital governance paradigms to effectively address the challenges that arise. The digital economy has also diversified the value system and ushered in new challenges in terms of social governance.

In conclusion, China’s digital economy has experienced unprecedented growth, contributing significantly to its GDP. While there are challenges to overcome, such as cultural adaptation and global cooperation, the development of infrastructure and international cooperation are key in promoting the digital economy. Action plans need to be designed to tackle challenges, ensuring equal participation and development rights, and addressing wealth inequality. The digital economy has had a profound impact on social fairness, consumer behaviour, and consumer rights. It has also shown resilience and growth, even in times of crisis. Overall, the digital economy plays a crucial role in China’s economic development and requires both a national and global perspective.

LIU Hao

China’s digital economy is not only one of the largest in the world but also continues to grow. In 2022, it reached an impressive scale of 50.2 trillion RMB yuan, accounting for 41.5% of the world’s GDP. China actively participates in international rule-making and standard-setting in the digital domain, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and multilateral digital economy governance.

China appreciates the efforts of OCTET, an organization that promotes global digital economy cooperation, and seeks to deepen collaboration in the digital economy. They also value partnerships between academic institutions and international organizations to enhance cooperation in this field.

China actively seeks global participation for the development of its digital economy and invites contributions to its Global Think Tank for the Beijing Digital Economy Development. They acknowledge the need for a common standard measurement to understand the digital economy and support the ongoing work by UNCTAD in this area.

Furthermore, China encourages competition in the digital market by diversifying platforms for digital trade and ensuring opportunities for small to medium enterprises. They also express dissatisfaction with the fragmented nature of global governance in the digital economy and emphasize the importance of reform, particularly within the World Trade Organization.

China’s approach in the digital economy is characterized by a focus on global cooperation rather than seeking dominance. They prioritize working together to create a better world, rejecting the pursuit of power or dominance. This aligns with their commitment to the sustainable development goals.

Overall, China’s digital economy is influential and growing rapidly. They actively engage in global cooperation, appreciate efforts for collaboration, and seek to enhance partnerships in the digital economy. Their approach emphasizes competition, the need for a common measurement standard, and the importance of global governance reform.

AK

Alex Kunzelmann

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153 words per minute

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2242 words

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878 secs

A

Audience

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144 words per minute

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501 words

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209 secs

JG

JIANG Guangzhi

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77 words per minute

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91 words

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LH

LIANG Hong

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115 words per minute

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424 words

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LH

LIU Hao

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2819 words

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SUN Jungong

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WY

WEI Yiming

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ZJ

ZHAHNG Jun

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