Digital News

Recently, with the support of the National Data Administration, Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou in Fujian Province were selected as the first batch of pilot cities for international cooperation in the national data sector. Building on their respective locational advantages and industrial strengths, the three cities will explore differentiated pathways in areas such as infrastructure development for cross-border data flows, alignment of rules and standards, and practical cooperation projects, aiming to establish a coordinated pattern of collaboration.

The inclusion of Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou in the first batch of pilot cities reflects national recognition of the achievements made in advancing “Digital Fujian.” It also creates broader space for exploration and practice in further advancing "Digital Fujian" and supporting the implementation of the "Digital China" strategy.

Under the pilot program, Fujian Province will build on the comprehensive reform pilot initiative for market-based allocation of factors in Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou, advancing the pilot efforts through province-wide coordination, differentiated approaches, and collaborative implementation.

Fuzhou will focus on areas including cross-border data flow service infrastructure, mutual recognition of international data rules, international service platforms, a compliance service ecosystem, the global expansion of digital industries, and international exchange mechanisms. The city will deepen cooperation with countries such as Indonesia, Kenya, and Malaysia, and take the lead in piloting initiatives in areas including cross-border data flow service infrastructure, data rule alignment under the China-Indonesia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative, the Minjiang Digital Trade Corridor, compliance services through the Maritime Silk Road Central Legal District, the global expansion of digital industries, and international talent exchanges, with the aim of developing a Fuzhou model for the “Digital Silk Road.”

Leveraging the BRICS cooperation mechanism and its advantages as a platform for high-standard opening-up, Xiamen will focus on developing cross-border data service infrastructure under the "Two Centers and Two Platforms" framework, strengthening a secure and controllable technological foundation, and enhancing an efficient and convenient compliance service system. Focusing on application scenarios such as smart transportation, smart healthcare, and smart ports, Xiamen will deepen cooperation with countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Brazil in areas such as data rule alignment and mutual recognition of standards. The city aims to explore and develop models for cross-border data cooperation with international influence and build a demonstration hub for BRICS cooperation in the data sector.

Building on its strengths in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, Quanzhou will focus on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital transformation and industrial internationalization. It will accelerate the development of foundational capabilities for cross-border industrial data services, promote the alignment of rules in key areas such as data formats, compliance certification, and trade documentation, and reduce the costs and barriers associated with cross-border data flows and applications for enterprises. Quanzhou will support leading enterprises in turning their digital transformation experience into replicable and scalable products and services, explore new models for coordinated development that integrate industrial chains with data chains in collaboration with Maritime Silk Road partners, and establish a benchmark for industrial cooperation.

Going forward, the Fujian Provincial Data Administration will strengthen overall coordination, guide Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou in ensuring the high-quality implementation of the pilot program, and support the cities in deepening international cooperation based on their respective strengths. The province will leverage platforms and initiatives such as the Digital China Summit, the core area of the Maritime Silk Road, the demonstration zone for the integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, and resources associated with its overseas Chinese communities, while continuously expanding exchanges and cooperation with relevant countries, international organizations, and industry organizations. It will improve regularized international cooperation mechanisms and service support systems, promote more replicable and scalable practices, and contribute to the development of Digital China with Fujian’s experience and strengths.

Source: Fujian Provincial Development and Reform Commission