HANGZHOU, May 23, 2026— The 6th Cross-Border E-Commerce Workshop, organized by the Belt and Road Local Cooperation Committee (BRLC) of UCLG ASPAC, successfully concluded on May 22 in Hangzhou. Under the theme "AI for Everyone: Smart Connectivity along the Silk Road," the five-day program brought together nearly 40 participants, including representatives from BRLC member cities, the Metropolis, foreign entrepreneurs, and international students.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Industry Immersion

The workshop offered an intensive, modular learning journey spanning three key areas: AI-Driven E-Commerce Trends, Hangzhou Industrial Ecosystem Decoding, and Hands-on AI Empowerment.

Participants systematically explored AI's transformative role across the e-commerce value chain—from intelligent product selection and dynamic pricing to multi-language customer service and supply chain forecasting. Beyond the classroom, field trips to innovation hubs including Robot Town, iFLYTEK, BrainCo, and the Wensan Future Science and Technology Experience Center offered direct insight into Hangzhou's thriving digital ecosystem.

During the practical sessions, participants operated AI selection tools, built intelligent customer service workflows, and tested real-time translation models. A highlight of the program was the interactive "AI Debate Forum," where attendees engaged in candid cross-cultural discussions covering data sovereignty, employment transitions, and ethical governance, reinforcing the necessity of inclusive technology.

Global Insights and Multi-Lateral Collaboration

At the opening ceremony, Miao Chengchao, Vice Chairman of BRLC, emphasized responsible innovation:

"Cross-border e-commerce, as a vital link of the Digital Silk Road, is embracing unprecedented opportunities. We must focus on the ethics, inclusiveness, and cultural diversity behind technology. Only responsible innovation can truly benefit everyone."

Agnès Bickart, Head of International Relations at the Metropolis, lauded Hangzhou as a "living laboratory" where rich heritage seamlessly blends with cutting-edge digital waves. Commemorating Hangzhou's 25-year partnership with Metropolis, she noted that the workshop fosters lasting peer relationships:

"The most enduring outcome of training is never slides, but long-term peer relationships. When one city finds an answer, others don't have to start from scratch."

Participants echoed these sentiments. Alberto Antinucci, an observer of China's digital transformation, noted that China's AI solutions lead globally and expressed eagerness to foster pragmatic Europe-China collaboration in education and technology. Daniil Krainov, a graduate student and media creator, highlighted how AI empowers small businesses to optimize efficiency.

Empowering Member Cities for Long-Term Impact

At the graduation ceremony, Miao Chengchao encouraged participants to act as "connectors and co-builders" along the Digital Silk Road by applying their gained insights to local municipal practices. BRLC reaffirmed its commitment to providing post-event resource-matching and networking opportunities to ensure the vision of "Smart Connectivity" creates continuous value across Silk Road cities.