The digital economy represents a significant opportunity to accelerate productivity and growth among Belt and Road countries, according to delegates at a high-level forum on the digital economy held on Wednesday in Beijing.

Forum delegates, including world leaders, expressed their dedication to maximizing the potential to drive sustainable and inclusive growth through the digital economy.

The forum, part of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, also laid the groundwork for more policy coordination and project implementation in the coming years.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, hailed the digital economy as an important engine for global development and transformation.

It will play a greater role in promoting economic growth in all countries and facilitating people's work and life, Cai said in a speech.

Cai called for efforts to enhance connectivity, strengthen cooperation in digital infrastructure construction, and promote the deep integration between digital technology and the real economy.

He also called for efforts to narrow the digital divide and deepen cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.

China will work with countries around the world to accelerate the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace, enabling the development of the digital economy to better benefit people in all countries, Cai said.

Foreign leaders including Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez attended the forum and delivered addresses. 

They praised the contributions of the Digital Silk Road in promoting the development of the digital economy in various countries, and expressed their expectation to further deepen international cooperation in the digital economy. 

(With input from Xinhua)