The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) Xiong'an Digital Trade Innovation and Development Conference concluded recently, drawing over 900 domestic and international guests, unveiling more than 70 innovative achievements, and witnessing the launch of multiple platforms and project signings. The status of Xiong'an as an open gateway for digital trade is becoming increasingly prominent.
Achieving this level of openness necessitates well-defined rules. During the conference, the National AI Industry Innovation Application Pilot Zone and the Xiong'an Data Exchange were officially inaugurated, signifying a new phase in the market-oriented operation of data elements. The establishment of this national-level platform in Xiong'an highlights its emergence as a hub for setting digital trade rules. Xiong'an is actively developing its own solutions to complex issues that are being explored globally, such as data rights confirmation, pricing, trading, and cross-border flows.
Unlocking the potential of openness also hinges on technological innovation driving development. Digitalization and intellectualization were defining features of this year's CIFTIS. Xiong'an New Area is concentrating on aligning technological breakthroughs with practical needs in urban governance and industrial upgrading to foster digital trade. From AI large language models to vertical-specific foundational models, and from visual algorithm platforms to intelligent stormwater management systems, a range of innovative results were showcased. This illustrates how deeply digital technology is integrated into urban operations and industrial advancement, continuously broadening the scope of service trade and expanding the avenues for Xiong'an's digital trade openness.
Facilitating digital trade requires establishing both domestic and international pathways. Xiong'an's confidence in developing digital trade is built on its robust digital infrastructure. The Xiong'an International Token Service Platform aggregates over 300 open-source and proprietary large models, offering unified model API aggregation and intelligent scheduling services to relocated enterprises, tech innovators, research institutions, and overseas clients. By leveraging its digital foundation to deliver computing power, models, and services, Xiong'an exemplifies a higher level of openness. From "bringing in" to "going global" and from "borrowing channels" to "building channels," Xiong'an is marking its position on the global map of digital trade.
Ultimately, the success of this openness is reflected in export performance. The Xiong'an Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone now hosts 306 customs-registered cross-border e-commerce enterprises, with an average annual growth rate of 107.24% in import and export value. Key projects have been signed and launched, including Cainiao's cross-border bonded warehouse, Douyin Global Shopping's cross-border e-commerce central warehouse, and Jialida International Logistics. Leading companies are demonstrating their confidence with substantial investments. During the conference, a dedicated cross-border e-commerce session also saw the release of a digital talent pool and an AI agent service platform. These initiatives are building more than just logistics channels; they are forging a complete chain connecting industry, talent, and investment attraction. Digital trade has vast potential, and the path to high-level openness requires sustained effort. Through continuous institutional innovation, the development of new export channels, and the rapid aggregation of an industrial ecosystem, Xiong'an New Area is actively writing a new chapter of openness in the wave of high-quality service trade development.