At the China Development Forum 2025 held in Beijing from March 23 to 24, experts and innovators converged to explore the deep integration of the real economy with its digital counterpart. Under the theme "Unleashing Development Momentum for Global Economic Stability and Growth," discussions focused on how emerging technologies and digital transformation are powering high-quality growth on the Chinese mainland.
The forum showcased breakthrough achievements such as a 5% GDP growth in 2024 and rapid progress in building a "Digital China." With core digital industries now contributing about 10% to GDP, the fusion of digital technologies with traditional sectors is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, driving smarter production, and optimizing resource allocation.
Data-driven insights underscore this transformation. Recent reports indicate that the size of the digital economy has reached 53.9 trillion yuan (approximately $7.44 trillion), while over 7,000 "5G + Industrial Internet" projects and 50 cross-industry platforms highlight the accelerated move toward intelligent manufacturing and industrial internet innovations.
Digital initiatives are also revolutionizing other sectors. In rural areas, smart agriculture powered by IoT, drone-assisted crop protection, and intelligent irrigation is boosting productivity and supporting rural revitalization. Meanwhile, programs like the "Digital Bay Area" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area streamline public services through cloud computing and blockchain technology, enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering cross-regional collaboration.
These advancements not only strengthen the Chinese mainland’s leadership in high-quality development but also provide a compelling blueprint for global economic resilience. As industries merge traditional practices with digital innovation, the future looks set for scalable, sustainable growth that resonates with globally minded young citizens, tech enthusiasts, thought leaders, and changemakers around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
