The 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) is being held in Hangzhou, China's Zhejiang Province, from September 23 to 27. Representatives from 40 international organizations, and more than 12,000 overseas buyers from 163 countries and regions are attending this year's GDTE. 

Hangzhou port recorded more than 29,000 inbound arrivals from September 19 to 22, up 6.5% week-on week, according to figures from the Zhejiang General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. During the GDTE, inbound arrivals at Hangzhou port are expected to exceed 36,000.

To provide more efficient and convenient clearance services for overseas exhibitors, buyers, and tourists, the Zhejiang General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, together with the Zhejiang Provincial Public Security Department, has introduced six convenience measures. 

Border inspection authorities have opened dedicated inbound lanes for the GDTE at airport ports of entry and added multilingual consultation desks to provide efficient and smooth clearance services for exhibitors and buyers. A dedicated GDTE desk has been set up on the 12367 service platform to provide real-time responses from human agents in six languages and to answer and refer inquiries concerning immigration and exit-entry matters. 

Public security authorities have set up exit-entry service points at the expo venue to provide foreign investors who intend to conduct business negotiations, trade, or investment with convenience services such as visa extension/renewal and residence permit processing. Foreign exhibitors and buyers who do not have time to obtain Chinese visas from Chinese embassies or consulates abroad may apply to the port visa authorities in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Yiwu. Upon approval, they may enter through the corresponding port. 

At the same time, border inspection, public security, and culture and tourism authorities provide one-stop services for inbound expo participants at airport arrival areas, including consultation on and processing of immigration and exit-entry procedures, currency exchange, mobile phone SIM cards, and self-drive car rental.