A parallel session on AI-driven digital economic innovation is held during the eighth China International Import Expo at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on Nov 5. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhejiang enterprises made a strong debut at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, signing 24 import deals worth about 14.5 billion yuan ($2.03 billion) with suppliers from 14 countries and regions, including Germany, the United States, Brazil, and Switzerland, on Nov 5.

The signing took place during the 8th Hongqiao International Economic Forum, a major event under the CIIE umbrella. The forum brought together more than 600 representatives from global government agencies, international organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and innovative tech firms to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital economy.

Business matchmaking was a key highlight, drawing over 70 multinational companies from 13 countries. More than 70 percent of participating enterprises came from the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, while Fortune 500 and leading industry players accounted for around 60 percent.

Nearly 300 Zhejiang-based digital economy enterprises joined the sessions to explore cooperation in technology R&D, talent exchange, equity investment, trade procurement, and overseas market expansion.