Zhejiang province has released a new roadmap to deepen reforms and accelerate the development of its digital trade sector, aiming to become a global center for digital trade by 2035.

The plan, issued recently, sets out two key milestones. By 2027, Zhejiang aims to rank among the top in China in terms of digital trade volume, with the basic framework of a global digital trade hub in place. By 2035, the province targets a globally influential digital order and delivery system with distinctive strengths.

The plan also outlines a "1+3+N" development layout.

The "1" refers to the Global Digital Trade Expo, which serves as the flagship platform.

The "3" represents three core cities — Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Yiwu — designated as digital trade centers.

The "N" encourages other cities in the province to build unique digital trade projects or application scenarios based on their local strengths.

In the first half of 2025, Zhejiang recorded 97.17 billion yuan ($13.4 billion) in exports via cross-border direct purchase channels, up 79.7 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong momentum in the sector.

Zhejiang will support the exports of cultural products, developing national cultural export bases to offer one-stop services such as original franchise design, scriptwriting, production, and multilingual translation for industries including animation and gaming.

The province plans to explore relaxed market access policies in digital trade. The authorities will encourage foreign investment in the digital sector and consider easing restrictions on the ratio of Chinese to foreign personnel in joint film and TV productions.