Agrinio, October 25, 2024: The Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) 2024, held in Hangzhou, China, is an important global platform for digital trade, education and innovation. Among the many international participants was a delegation from the region of Western Greece, which was invited by Hangzhou government officials.
The invitation from the Chinese authorities marked an important step toward developing international collaboration within the important 3-tiered axis of commerce, research and finance between China and Greece. It signaled China's interest in exploring Western Greece’s capabilities in technology, digital innovation, and product development, particularly as Greece pops up as an innovative and capable player on the global stage.
Strengthening Greece-China Relations
The participation of Western Greece in the GDTE indicates an ambition of both countries to make tighter economic and technological ties. China, a global leader in digital commerce, AI, and smart city technologies, is increasingly looking for international partnerships to expand its influence in global markets. For Greece, this opportunity presents a chance to tap into China's advanced technological landscape and form important strategic partnerships.
Western Greece's 15-member delegation consisted of key educational organizations and research institutes from the region, as well as local industries and chambers, each with its own exhibition stand at the expo. These stands highlighted a range of educational services and research initiatives, including IoT solutions, robotics technology and AI research. The expo gave the delegation an opportunity to communicate directly with Chinese counterparts, exploring possibilities for joint ventures, research collaborations, and commercial opportunities.
The Regional Governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, played a key role in organizing this participation, recognizing the importance of international exposure for the region’s rapidly growing tech and science ecosystem. The invitation also reflected China’s increasing recognition of the innovation potential that exists in Western Greece, where the highest research output per capita in the country is found.
China’s Silicon Valley
Hangzhou has rapidly transformed into a technology powerhouse, often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley. Historically known for its cultural significance, the city is now home to some of the most prominent tech firms in the world, including Alibaba, the world's largest e-commerce company.
Hangzhou is becoming a key hub for AI research, cloud computing, and smart manufacturing. The city is attracting an increasing number of startups, entrepreneurs, and international businesses, making it a focal point for global innovation in Asia. This rapid growth has in part been supported by its proximity to Shanghai: as Shanghai has become one of the most expensive cities in China for establishing offices and research facilities, many companies are now opting for Hangzhou as a more affordable alternative. The city’s infrastructure and access to a vast talent pool, along with its lower operational costs, makes it an attractive option for both domestic and international businesses. This shift has positioned Hangzhou as a strategic location for global companies looking to establish a presence in China’s thriving tech ecosystem.
From Copying to Pioneering
China’s role in the global technology landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decades. While the country was once known for replicating Western innovations, today it stands at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly in areas like AI and digital trade.
Panagiotis Theocharis, founder of MakerLab and one of the representatives from the Western Greece delegation, remarked on this dramatic shift:
"There was a time when China was known for copying the innovations of others. But now, they’ve become true pioneers in technology, blazing ahead in fields like AI, digital trade, and smart manufacturing. What we’re seeing here in Hangzhou is the future of tech innovation; it’s no longer about following trends but about setting them."
This evolution is reflected in China’s significant investments in R&D and the establishment of innovation hubs, like the China (Hangzhou) Artificial Intelligence Town which delegation members visited during the expo. The country’s tech sector is no longer playing catch-up; instead, it is setting new standards and driving global trends.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The growing mutual interest between Greece and China points to exciting possibilities for collaboration in areas like digital fabrication, smart city technologies, and AI development. The participation of Western Greece in the expo laid the foundation for future partnerships, especially as both regions share a commitment to innovation-driven growth.
The Western Greece delegation had the opportunity to connect with Chinese tech companies and research institutions, and amongst other activities visited AliBaba and Amazon during their stay in Hangzhou. An official meeting, followed by lunch, with the Hangzhou Chengxi Sci-Tech Innovation Corridor representatives cemented a strong interest in forming long-term partnerships, with both sides recognizing the value of combining Greece’s creativity and product development expertise with China’s advancements in automation and AI.
For Western Greece, the relationships established at the expo represent a unique opportunity to expand its presence on the global stage and to position itself as a key player in the digital economy. The region’s growing reputation for tech innovation and its strategic location in Europe make it an ideal partner for Chinese businesses looking to enter the European market.