Asia-Europe forum underscores big need for global connectivity

Enhancing and strengthening digital connectivity is vital to reach common development and share the fruits of a digital world, said top officials and experts at the Asia-Europe Meeting High-Level Forum on Digital Connectivity.

By creating new business opportunities and significantly reducing the costs of transactions and transportation, digital connectivity proves to be a key force in driving growth, creating jobs and promoting innovation, according to a statement issued at the forum which was held from Monday to Tuesday in Qingdao, Shandong province.

"We should intensify cooperation on internet technology and data sharing and develop the Internet Plus industry to foster a 'Digital Asia-Europe', and advocate best practices in cloud computing application in the region to forge synergies across the industrial chain," said the Qingdao Initiative issued at the meeting.