Digital Economy: China Urban Digital Economy Forum begins in Shanghai

A forum on the digital economy has opened in Shanghai, sponsored by CGTN's parent company China Media Group. Officials and industry insiders are exchanging ideas, about a sector that has become a strong driver of the Chinese economy. Liu Jiaxin reports. 

In China, "the digital economy" has become one of the most frequently-mentioned phrases of the year. While the Chinese have become accustomed to living with online services through their mobile devices, officials and industry insiders continue to explore the potential of the digital society.

ZHOU HUILIN Member of  Standing Committee Shanghai Municipal Committee "We look forward to discussing how the digital transformation can better adapt to the development rules of megacities, effectively connect the capillaries of urban operation, and how the digital transformation can better practice the important ideas of our cities and facilitate people."

China's digital economy has boomed in recent years, accounting for nearly 40 percent of its GDP. This year, the country has experienced a rapid economic recovery following the coronavirus outbreak, and has reported positive quarterly growths. At a recent economic work conference, top Chinese officials set out new plans and policies to further support the digital economy. In Shanghai, forum participants called on traditional industries to adapt.

JIANG WENBO Editorial Board Member, China Media Group "We will continue to build a world-class new mainstream media and constantly explore the industry chain of Omni-media platforms."

ZHANG LIJUN Vice President, Tencent "Health codes and remote meeting and telecommuting are likely to become the norm, and we will continue to develop and  launch new products in these areas."

LIU  JIAXIN Shanghai "In today's world, if we can choose only one thing to take with us when we go out, it'll probably be the mobile phone for most people. And behind this little screen are the efforts of countless companies, and the collision of ideas like those expressed today. Liu Jiaxin, CGTN, Shanghai."