Core Viewpoint - Dalian Jinpu New Area plays a crucial role in the economic development of Northeast China, serving as a strategic hub for international trade and cooperation in Northeast Asia, with significant advancements in logistics and infrastructure [1][4]. Strategic Positioning - Dalian Jinpu New Area is designated as a strategic high ground for Northeast Asia cooperation, a growth pole for regional revitalization, and a pilot area for innovation and urbanization [1]. - The area hosts the China (Liaoning) Free Trade Zone, with the Dalian section occupying half of its total area, enhancing its competitive edge [1]. Logistics and Infrastructure Development - The upgrade of the "Dalian-Changchun" intercity freight train service to a rapid freight service demonstrates the area's logistics capabilities, providing efficient transport for businesses [1]. - Dalian Port is enhancing its logistics infrastructure, integrating port, rail, and inland services to support container transport, with projected business volume growth of 18% in 2024 [2][4]. Trade and Investment Performance - In 2024, Dalian Jinpu New Area reported 3,665 enterprises engaged in import and export, achieving a total import and export value of 227.4 billion yuan, accounting for 51% of Dalian's total [4]. - The area has attracted 2,423 foreign-invested enterprises, with significant contributions from Japanese and Korean companies [4]. Industrial Development - The manufacturing sector in Dalian Jinpu New Area is robust, with 1,042 industrial enterprises generating a total output value of 385.5 billion yuan, representing 45.3% of Dalian's industrial output [10]. - The area is focusing on upgrading traditional industries and fostering emerging sectors, with a notable increase in high-tech and specialized enterprises [10]. Institutional Innovation - Dalian Jinpu New Area is implementing innovative customs and tax policies to facilitate trade, such as the new model for managing clothing processing and the recycling of lithium battery packaging [6][7]. - The area has introduced over 700 institutional innovations since the establishment of the Free Trade Zone, aimed at enhancing the business environment and promoting high-quality industrial development [7][8]. Collaborative Development - There is a call for establishing a long-term mechanism for coordinated development between Dalian Jinpu New Area and traditional industrial cities to enhance regional integration and global competitiveness [12].

Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges faced by small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises in China due to sudden tariffs, particularly from the U.S., which constituted 65% of their customer base. Companies are seeking new paths to overcome these challenges, with AI technology emerging as a crucial tool for transformation and market expansion [1][2]. Group 1: AI Adoption and Transformation - Companies like a Ningbo-based clothing factory are leveraging AI technologies, such as Baidu's digital human live streaming, to transition from traditional foreign trade to e-commerce, enabling them to quickly tap into domestic and non-U.S. markets [1][2]. - Baidu's AI support plan aims to assist 1 million enterprises with free digital human live streaming, significantly reducing operational costs by over 80% and facilitating a shift from export to domestic sales [3][10]. - Alibaba's international platform has seen substantial growth in non-U.S. markets, with France experiencing a 125% increase in orders, showcasing the effectiveness of AI in enhancing communication and operational efficiency [4][5]. Group 2: Market Expansion Strategies - AI technologies are enabling foreign trade companies to optimize their operations across various markets, including Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia, by providing multilingual support and tailored marketing strategies [2][6]. - The use of AI in customer service has led to a 30% increase in transaction volumes for companies, allowing them to respond to inquiries instantly and improve customer engagement [7][8]. - Companies are diversifying their customer bases, with some reporting that the U.S. market now only accounts for 10% of their overall clientele, indicating a strategic shift towards other international markets [8]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Innovations - AI is expected to play a significant role in predicting market trends, optimizing pricing strategies, and enhancing supply chain management for foreign trade enterprises [11]. - The integration of AI tools is seen as a vital step in the ongoing transformation of the foreign trade sector, with companies increasingly relying on technology to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities [6][10].