Bao'an bolsters cross-border e-commerce with new AI and data hubs

The Shenzhen · Qianhai Cross-Border E-Commerce Data Accelerator and the Digital Trade OPC Incubation Base were unveiled at a forum titled “Guangdong Intelligent Manufacturing, Global Digital Trade” in Bao’an District on April 10.

Centered on the deep integration of artificial intelligence with cross-border trade, the forum was aimed at injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the industry within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

According to official statistics, Shenzhen’s total foreign trade volume reached 4.55 trillion yuan (US$667.42 billion) in 2025, topping the country for the second consecutive year, with exports securing the national lead for 33 consecutive years. Notably, cross-border e-commerce trade reached 284.5 billion yuan, ranking first among China’s large and medium cities for four years running. This momentum has continued into early 2026, with Shenzhen’s imports and exports growing by 37% year-on-year in January and February.

Despite the achievements, many foreign trade enterprises still grapple with challenges in cross-border data flow, including difficulties in rights confirmation, regulatory compliance, financing, and transactions. As a major industrial hub, Bao’an has previously established a cross-border e-commerce service center, the city’s first “Silk Road E-commerce” talent training base, and the 1688 Shenzhen Selection Center. 

A glance at the forum titled “Guangdong Intelligent Manufacturing, Global Digital Trade” held in Bao’an District on April 10. Photo by He Zulan

The newly launched Shenzhen · Qianhai Cross-Border E-Commerce Data Accelerator and the Digital Trade OPC Incubation Base are designed to address these challenges through enterprise diagnostics and compliance technology provision, helping businesses transform data assets into core production factors.

The development of digital trade in Bao’an is supported by three major advantages. Bao’an enjoys industrial strength: the district ranks second among China’s top 100 industrial districts, with 23 product categories holding the world's largest market share and a 2025 foreign trade volume exceeding 600 billion yuan.

Second is its logistical superiority: situated at the geographical heart of the GBA, it boasts a “six-in-one” integrated transportation network. Lastly, with two-thirds of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone located within Bao’an, enterprises can benefit from the dual incentives of both regions, including housing subsidies, rent-free startup spaces, and entrepreneurship guaranteed loans.

The Shenzhen · Qianhai Cross-Border E-Commerce Data Accelerator offers a comprehensive service loop starting from data subject registration to compliance filing, tax refunds, and data assetization. The Digital Trade OPC Incubation Base uses the Digital Trade Cloud Agent technology to link over 1,800 universities and 22 core industrial belts in Guangdong. It provides a full-cycle support system for entrepreneurs, covering skill training, startup incubation, and overseas expansion. 

The two platforms are set to significantly lower the barriers to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises and individual entrepreneurs, fostering a new generation of local cross-border trade leaders.