On the morning of October 11, the opening ceremony for the Seminar on Cross-border E-commerce Supply Chain and Overseas Warehouse for Belt and Road Countries, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai) at Shanghai Business School, was successfully held. The ceremony was honored by the attendance of Mr. Chen Wei, Deputy Director of the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai), and Ms. Lin Shuya, Vice President and Secretary- General of the Shanghai Pudong International Chamber of Commerce, both of whom delivered keynote speeches.
Since its inception, the “Belt and Road” Initiative has evolved into a critical platform for enhancing global connectivity and fostering shared prosperity. The Cross-border e-commerce, a cornerstone of the digital economy, is reshaping international trade dynamics. In October 2024, the State Council approved the establishment of the Pilot Zone for “Silk Road E-commerce” Cooperation in Shanghai. Over the past year, this pilot zone has achieved significant breakthroughs in trade facilitation and cross-border data flows, leading to multiple institutional innovations. As of July 2024, China has signed bilateral e-commerce MOU with 33 countries, reflecting the “mutual benefit and shared development” ethos.
Mr. Chen Wei underscored that the “Silk Road E-commerce” Cooperation, proposed under the framework of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, is emerging as a key driver of high-quality international cooperation. He noted that the cooperation is not only unlocking new growth potential but also addressing emerging global challenges and contributing to the Global Development Initiative. By fostering a digital community with a shared future, the initiative is reshaping the global digital economy landscape. As a member of the “Silk Road E-commerce” training center, Shanghai Business School is dedicated to supporting the construction of the Pilot Zone for “Silk Road E-commerce” Cooperation in Shanghai by leveraging our academic and research strengths. Hosting this seminar is a practical demonstration of our university’s commitment to cultivating top-tier international e-commerce talent and advancing the “Belt and Road” cooperation.
Ms. Lin Shuya pointed out that China’s rapid development of cross-border e-commerce is revolutionizing global trade at an unprecedented rate. The “Silk Road E-commerce” Cooperation represents a pivotal strategy to deepen collaboration under the “Belt and Road” Initiative, while providing Shanghai with a significant opportunity to enhance its “Five Centers”. Ms. Lin expressed her hope that the seminar would not only equip participants with the latest knowledge and technological insights but also serve as a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange. She encouraged attendees to explore innovative development models for cross-border e-commerce supply chains and overseas warehouses, ultimately enabling “Silk Road E-commerce” to become a bridge for fostering international friendship and cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of all participants, Ms. Cindy Beatriz Guerra Casanova, Trade Policy Expert from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Training Base at Shanghai Business School for their comprehensive course arrangements. She remarked that the seminar presents a unique opportunity for enhancing business exchanges, deepening mutual understanding, and strengthening economic and trade ties among the participating countries, thereby laying the groundwork for shared prosperity.
This 14-day seminar brings together 24 participants from nine countries, including Bahrain, Cuba, Iraq, Panama, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Egypt, and Fiji. As part of the program, participants will also visit Kunming, Yunnan Province, for a field study tour.
Written by: Zhao Zixuan
Photos by: Li Zheng
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
