BEIJING
\nChina\u2019s digital boom opens global markets for a Pakistani businessman who lives in Yiwu City that is a global small commodity hub in eastern China. Here Pakistani businessman Rana Sajid found his life\u2019s calling.
\nBy importing and exporting commodities worldwide, he has built a prosperous career, providing a comfortable life for himself and his family. According to a Gwadar Pro\u2019s report, having settled in China for over 20 years, Sajid has witnessed the rapid evolution of China\u2019s commercial sector, benefiting from its convenient and business-friendly environment.
\nIn recent years, the digital boom has further propelled his business to new heights. \u201cThrough e-commerce, I can connect with clients on a much broader scale, reaching customers not just locally but across the globe.
\nPlatforms like Alibaba, JD.com, and Pinduoduo have opened doors to markets I couldn\u2019t access before,\u201d Sajid explained. \u201cWhat\u2019s more transformative is the integration of AI tools like DeepSeek.
\nThese tools allow sellers to create professional-quality promotional videos in multiple languages within just 10 minutes. This not only saves time and resources but also helps tailor marketing strategies to specific cultural and linguistic preferences, making it easier to engage with diverse audiences.
\nFor instance, I can now target customers in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East simultaneously, all while maintaining a personalized touch.\u201d China has been the world\u2019s largest online retail market for 12 consecutive years, offering vast opportunities for both domestic and international businesses.
\nYiwu, a city with a population of over 1.9 million, including 1.4 million migrants and 18,000 long-term foreign residents, is a microcosm of this thriving ecosystem. The city is home to more than 1.1 million market entities and over 260,000 cross-border e-commerce businesses.
\nThe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into e-commerce has become a game-changer. In Yiwu alone, nearly 30,000 merchants are already using AI tools to enhance their operations. Last month, an AI-powered promotional platform was launched, offering free services to local businesses.
\nMeanwhile, in nearby Hangzhou, the government aims to develop over 100 demonstration cases of \u201cAI + cross-border e-commerce\u201d by 2026.The digital economy has become a focal point in China\u2019s development strategy. During the ongoing Two Sessions, the annual meetings of China\u2019s top legislative and advisory bodies, policymakers emphasized plans to unleash the creative potential of the digital economy, including goals to foster digital industrial clusters.
\n\u201cFor international businesses, AI tools can generate promotional content tailored to Chinese consumers quickly and cost-effectively,\u201d said Yang Debin, a deputy to the National People\u2019s Congress and president of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) International Information Technology Association.
\nThe Greater Bay Area, comprising Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, has emerged as a powerhouse for cross-border e-commerce. According to Mohammed Mustafa, Vice President of the Shenzhen Cross-border E-commerce Association, the development of digital infrastructure\u2014such as high-speed internet and advanced payment systems\u2014is critical to realizing the full potential of e-commerce.
\n\u201cThis is especially important for rural areas in other countries, where e-commerce adoption remains relatively low,\u201d Mustafa noted. \u201cFor countries like Pakistan, which has a strong agricultural sector, there is growing demand in China for high-quality agricultural products, including fruits, spices, and meat. Developing efficient supply chains for these products will be a priority.\u201d
\nTo support this growing partnership, a cross-border e-commerce talent training program is underway for Pakistani students, entrepreneurs, and experts. The initiative seeks to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.
\n\u201cWith expertise in areas like AI-driven logistics, big data analytics and customer relationship management, China can vitalize businesses in countries like Pakistan to compete more effectively in global market,\u201d Mohammed said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BEIJING China\u2019s digital boom opens global markets for a Pakistani businessman who lives in Yiwu City that is a global small commodity hub in eastern China. Here Pakistani businessman Rana Sajid found his life\u2019s calling. By importing and exporting commodities worldwide, he has built a prosperous career, providing a comfortable life for himself and his […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":466218,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-466202","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n