On the morning of July 2, the 2024 Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC) commenced at the China National Convention Center. Yin Li, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee; and Zhuang Rongwen, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, and Minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, delivered speeches. The opening ceremony was presided over by Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Beijing.

Yin Li emphasized that, in today’s world, the accelerated breakthroughs in next-generation information technology and the profound digital and intelligent transformation in global industries have injected new impetus into global economic growth and people’s well-being worldwide. General Secretary Xi Jinping places great importance on building a digital China and has made significant observations on the development of the digital economy, advocating for more global cooperation in digital governance to benefit people of all countries with the digital economy. Beijing is well-positioned for developing its digital economy, with robust digital infrastructure, abundant data resources, a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and diverse application scenarios. The city is witnessing a thriving digital economy, driven by rapid development in digital industries such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, industrial internet, and cybersecurity. Moving forward, Beijing will leverage its strength in education, science and technology, and talent to build itself into a global pacesetter in the digital economy at a faster speed. We are willing to work with friends from all sectors to jointly advance digital innovation, including establishing a digital economy innovation consortium and deepening industry-university-research collaboration for technological breakthroughs in key areas. To elevate the digital industry, efforts should be made to integrate the Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence with the real economy, expand the supply of intelligent computing power, accelerate the digital transformation of traditional industries, and develop future industries. It is also significant to tap into the value of data. This involves expanding pilot projects in data infrastructure systems, establishing “one pilot zone and three centers” for market-based allocation of data factors, enhancing the functions of big data exchanges, and utilize public data resource more efficiently. Furthermore, we should explore effective models of digital governance, align with international economic and trade rules, promote international rule setting in the digital sector, and enhance the regulatory mechanism of data security. With these efforts, we can expand the “circle of friends” of digital economy partner cities.

Zhuang Rongwen stated that global information technology is entering a new phase characterized by digitalization, networked structure, and intelligence. The digital economy emerges as a crucial engine for building a modern economic system and drives the inclusive and sustainable development of the global economy. The development of the digital economy requires innovation-driven new growth engines; co-building and sharing concepts to cement new foundations; digital empowerment and higher efficiency to unleash new momentum; law-based governance to shape a new environment; as well as openness and cooperation to create a new landscape. The Cyberspace Administration of China will continue to support Beijing in building itself into a pioneer for digital economy in China and a pacesetter in the world.

Themed “Embarking on a New Era of Digital Intelligence, Sharing a New Future of Digital Economy”, the 2024 GDEC features a “1+6+3+N” framework. This includes an opening ceremony and a main forum, six high-level forums, three signature activities including the Digital Economy Experience Week, Digital Night, and Achievement Release Conference, as well as multiple forums and series of events. The GDEC serves as a crucial platform for advancing digital economy and deepening international cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, Beijing launched the Global Digital Economy Partner City Cooperation Initiative together with its global digital economy partner cities and representatives from international business associations. Speeches were delivered by Liu Liehong, Member of the Communist Party of China Leadership Group of the National Development and Reform Commission and Administrator of the National Data Administration; Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology; Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Information Technology & Telecommunication of Pakistan; Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO); and Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR).

Heads of relevant state ministries and commissions and officials from the Beijing Municipal Government attended the opening ceremony. Officials from foreign governments, representatives of international organizations, global digital economy partner cities, and international business associations were also present.