CHINA EMBRACES DIGITAL INNOVATION AND LAUNCHES NATIONAL TRADE EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT
March 11, 2016
On March 11, 2016, leading industry associations and research institutions gathered in Beijing to launch the GCEL China G20 Nations Case Study, marking the first step toward deployment of the Digital Economy Platform in China.
Led by the City Logistics Research Centre of China, the assessment included participation from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Institute of Comprehensive Transportation Development Strategy Research, the China Supply Chain Financial League, the China Communications and Transportation Association, Beijing Jiaotong University, and the School of Traffic and Transport.
The initiative focused on identifying opportunities to improve trade efficiency and reduce costs through the adoption of advanced digital technologies and integrated trade systems.
According to industry research, China’s logistics expenditures grew from approximately USD 900 billion in 2009 to USD 1.8 trillion in 2014, driven by rising domestic consumption, expanding exports, and rapid e-commerce growth.
At the time, China ranked 28th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, with logistics costs representing 18% of GDP compared to an Asian average of 12.8%. As one of the world’s leading manufacturing economies, China recognized the importance of digital innovation in maintaining global trade competitiveness.
