The Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) 2025, held from September 25-29, 2025, in Hangzhou, China, is a crucial event for Indonesian city governments to accelerate digital transformation in their regions. Coordinated by APEKSI and Adhouse Clarion, city delegates actively participated in forums, conferences, and workshops to discuss trends, global standards, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital commerce. Another vital activity was business matching, which enabled city governments to establish direct connections with more than 1,700 global digital companies, including Fortune Global 500 companies, to explore technology partnerships and investment opportunities.
The primary benefit of attending GDTE 2025 for city governments is a strengthened digital ecosystem and increased investment. City governments can benchmark and adopt the latest digital technologies to improve the efficiency of public services and expand the digitalization of regional transactions, ultimately driving increased Regional Original Revenue (PAD). Furthermore, this participation strengthens networks and strategic partnerships with cities and international organizations, helping Indonesian cities align their regulatory and policy frameworks with international digital trade standards.