CBEC for Development

The 8th International Academic Forum on Cross-Border E-Commerce convened in Kunming, Yunnan Province, on September 20-21, 2025, under the theme “Digital Empowerment and Global Connectivity: Cross-Border E-Commerce and High-Quality Agricultural Development.” Co-hosted by Huazhong Agricultural University and Yunnan Agricultural University, the forum brought together scholars and industry experts to explore agriculture-focused digital trade and international cooperation.

Forum Overview

Professor Yan Tingwu, Vice Dean of the College of Economics and Management at Huazhong Agricultural University, attended with Professors Zhou Deyi, Xia Chunping, and Xiong Xueping, alongside Associate Professors Li Fan and Liu Xiaotian. The delegation delivered presentations and joined academic discussions on integrating cross-border e-commerce with agricultural development and digital transformation.

Opening remarks and keynote speakers

The opening ceremony featured remarks by Li Hong, Vice President of Yunnan Agricultural University; Chen Rui, Dean of its College of Economics and Management; and Professor Yan Tingwu. Speakers emphasized the growing role of cross-border e-commerce in the global digital economy and its impact on agricultural development.

Six experts from China and overseas delivered keynote addresses:

• Associate Professor Paul Ingebleek (Wageningen University, Netherlands)
• Carlotta Clivio (International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization)
• Lu Chunyang (National Steering Committee for Vocational Education in E-Commerce)
• Associate Professor Akkhapon Kokkhangplu (Khon Kaen University)
• Associate Professor Danaitun Pongpatcharatorntep (Chiang Mai University)
• Dr. Lim Ai Fen (UCSI University, Malaysia)

Parallel sessions and industry dialogue

The forum hosted three parallel sessions focused on agricultural digital transformation, innovation in cross-border e-commerce supply chains, and education and training for cross-border e-commerce professionals. Government, industry, and academic representatives also joined briefings and roundtable discussions. Li Daikai, Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province, reviewed regional progress, highlighted challenges and opportunities, and outlined policy support measures for cross-border e-commerce.

The event strengthened academic and professional exchange on cross-border e-commerce and high-quality agricultural development, reinforcing international dialogue and future collaboration.