On the morning of May 9th, the opening ceremony for the Seminar on Applying E-Port Solutions to Strengthen Supply Chain Interconnectivity and Upgrade Trade Facilitation Standards was successfully held. The seminar is sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and organized by the MOFCOM Training Base for International Business Officials (Shanghai) of Shanghai Business School (SBS). Zhou Jihong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Party Branch of the College of International Education, and Chen Xiaojing, Professor at the School of Finance and Management, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.
In the backdrop of the global development initiative, electronic portals, as an important carrier of trade facilitation, are playing an increasingly important role through advanced information and digital technologies. They further promote supply chain interconnectivity, break down trade barriers between countries, achieve seamless docking of trade processes between different countries and regions, and improve overall trade efficiency and security. The interconnectivity of national electronic portal systems between countries, through standardized data exchange and information sharing, makes cross-border trade processes more efficient and transparent. This not only promotes international trade facilitation but also drives the process of economic globalization, injecting new vitality into global economic development.
Zhou Jihong stated that as the world's second-largest economy and a major trading nation, China has always adhered to the principles of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, actively participating in the reform and construction of the global governance system. Through continuous deepening of trade facilitation reforms, the electronic portal system has been continuously improved, and the level of trade facilitation has been continuously enhanced, providing strong support for the sustained and healthy development of the Chinese economy. The holding of this seminar provides a learning platform for participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the development of China's electronic portals, deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and participating countries in promoting trade facilitation, and providing new development opportunities to enhance the well-being of people in all participating countries.
Chen Xiaojing pointed out that the current international and domestic situations are complex and changeable, and a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating. To meet these challenges, countries are actively expanding service trade, digital trade, and cross-border e-commerce exports to help enterprises enter the global market. In this context, digital finance has become a core engine driving the development of cross-border e-commerce. The seminar will combine the latest practices of China's electronic portals, focusing on the development trends of digitalization, intelligence, and green development. Through case studies, it will analyze innovative applications such as smart customs clearance and blockchain traceability, helping participants master practical strategies for the era of intelligent trade.
Mr. Engtanh Thongpunya, a technician from the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and representative of the participants, stated that this seminar provides a valuable platform for learning and exchange among countries, and that China's rich experience has important reference significance for the development of all participating countries. He emphasized that Laos, as a landlocked country, has successfully transformed itself from a "landlocked country" to a "land-linked country" through Belt and Road Initiative cooperation projects such as the China-Laos Railway, greatly promoting the development of trade, logistics, and other fields. The Lao delegation feels honored to participate in this seminar and pledges to apply the learned experience to its national practice. They are also willing to share its achievements and deepen cooperation with China and other countries.
This seminar is 14 days long and has 21 trainees from seven countries: Bangladesh, Fiji, Grenada, Laos, Moldova, Montenegro, and Nigeria. The seminar will arrange for participants to conduct a field trip to Qingdao, Shandong Province.
Written by: Zhao Zixuan
Photograph by: Li Zheng
Reviewed by: Chen Wei
