Exploring Digital Economy Cooperation Between China and the EU at GDEC Forum

The GDEC Forum: A Bridge for Digital Cooperation between China and the EU

The Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC) 2025, held in Barcelona, Spain, marked a significant step for international cooperation in digital realms, especially between China and the European Union. On March 4, top government officials, industry leaders, and innovative companies gathered under the theme "Integration, Innovation, Win-win: Co-creating a New Blueprint for China-Europe Digital Economy." This event, recognized as a critical juncture for fostering ties in the digital economy, drew over 150 representatives from various sectors in China, Spain, and other European countries.

Jiang Guangzhi, the Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology (BMBEIT), opened the forum in an innovative digital format, emphasizing China's leading role in the global digital economy. He remarked on Beijing's active implementation of national strategies that boost the digital economy and highlighted Barcelona's reputation as a European digital technology hub. The synergy between these two cities appears promising, opening doors to vast cooperation opportunities that encompass various aspects of the digital economy.

The forum included a special session named "Beijing Night," organized by the BMBEIT to promote business and investment opportunities. This segment featured Beijing's advanced digital technologies across multiple key sectors, including autonomous driving, intelligent logistics, smart homes, digital healthcare, and value-added telecommunications. Importantly, the showcase combined core technologies with real-world application scenarios, aiming effectively to connect international audiences with practical examples of technological efficiency.

Distinguished speakers at the event, such as Lu Yiji, President of the China-Europe Digital Association, and Ignasi Castelló, Purchasing Director of FICOSA International, offered insights into contemporary trends and future forecasts for the digital economy, sharing valuable experiences and information vital for businesses and institutions participating in this space.

Since its inception in 2021, the GDEC has successfully completed four editions and continues to advocate for comprehensive international cooperation within the digital economy sector. Its mission is to enhance the development of a friendly and sustainable global digital ecosystem. Notably, the next iteration of GDEC will take place in Beijing this coming July, further solidifying the importance of this platform for intercultural exchange and technological advancement.

In conclusion, the GDEC Forum stands as a testament to the commitment of China and the EU to work together in navigating the complexities of the digital economy, leveraging their combined strengths to foster innovation and collaboration. Developing such partnerships is not just important for economic growth, but also for ensuring a sustainable and interconnected future in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

Through continuous dialogue and engagement, the integration of digital frameworks could become a cornerstone for successful cooperation, shaping the future of both regions and beyond.