Significant Insights from the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo Roadshow in Budapest

Insights from the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo Roadshow in Budapest

On June 18, Budapest hosted the roadshow for the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), a pivotal gathering of leaders driving the future of digital trade between Hungary and China. The event provided a platform to explore emerging opportunities and showcased several progressive initiatives that promise to advance digital trade significantly.

A Record Year for Trade

In his address, Jin Chengtao, Vice Mayor of Hangzhou, highlighted the substantial growth in trade between his city and Hungary, which reached a remarkable US$817 million in 2025, representing a 71.7% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, the air cargo volume between the two regions amounted to 23,400 tons, illustrating the robust logistics partnership as this constitutes nearly 26% of Hangzhou’s total air freight traffic directed towards Europe. During this significant occasion, he extended a warm invitation to global businesses to engage in the upcoming GDTE, emphasizing the expo as a key contributor to international trade connections.

Gabor Peter Artner, Deputy CEO of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency, echoed the sentiments of growth in the digital economy as a critical component driving international competitiveness. He expressed Hungary's determination to enhance digital trade links with China and assured that the GDTE would accelerate the digital transformation of Hungarian enterprises, positioning them favorably in the global market.

A Showcase of Innovation

Wang Yongfang, Director General of the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, outlined some highlights that attendees could expect at this year’s expo. As China’s premier national exhibition focused exclusively on digital trade, GDTE has successfully attracted participation from over 150 countries and regions, totaling more than 5,000 enterprises over its four previous editions.

The upcoming 5th GDTE, set to take place in late September at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center, will exhibit cutting-edge innovations such as next-generation robotics, brain-computer interface technology, camera drones, and AI-powered smart glasses. These technologies are indicative of the revolutionary role artificial intelligence plays in elevating industrial efficiency and ingraining itself in everyday life.

Notably, the event will feature a dedicated Token-themed exhibition zone, a Cyber Trend Toy Street, and an experience center by Unitree Robotics showcasing its first-ever rideable transforming mecha. Attendees can also look forward to the release of the Hangzhou-BRICS Economic and Trade Cooperation Development Report, alongside the launch of an international open-data community to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Global Collaboration on Digital Trade

Additionally, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) will have a significant presence at the expo by participating in a forum on global digital trade's rule of law, where the Hangzhou Initiative on guiding principles for cross-border e-commerce platform regulations will be revealed. This collaboration underscores the global importance and reach of GDTE as a fulcrum for constructing a standardized digital trading framework.

For those interested in advancing digital trade, the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo promises an enriching experience filled with networking opportunities and insights into future trends in digital commerce.

For further details about the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo, feel free to visit GDTE's official website.