Venezuela’s Engagement at the World Internet Conference 2025

Venezuelan Official Attends Digital Silk Route Forum in China

Caracas, Venezuela – July 25, 2025 – Raúl Hernández, the Deputy Minister for the progress of Data and communication Technologies, represented Venezuela at the Development Forum of the Digital Silk Route. The event took place this Thursday in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.

The forum convened over 600 individuals from 49 countries and 13 international organizations. Its theme focused on establishing a shared future community in cyberspace through digital and smart maritime routes.

Discussions centered on several key areas.These included fostering open cooperation in digital trade within the Belt and Road Initiative framework. Participants also explored the high-quality economic development driven by artificial intelligence. The transformation to digital and intelligent systems and the sustainable development of international transport were also prominent topics.

The primary objective of this important gathering was to enhance collaboration among participating nations. It also aimed to uncover new prospects for advancing the Digital Silk Route.

The World Internet Conference (WIC) organized the event. They partnered with the Fujian Provincial Government. Support for the forum came from the Quanzhou Municipal Government, the Fujian Governance of Cyberspace, and the Fujian Provincial Commission of Development and Reform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the digital Silk Route Forum?

the Digital Silk Route Forum is an international event focused on cooperation and development in digital trade and technology, inspired by the Belt and Road Initiative.

Who attended the forum in Quanzhou?

More than 600 guests from 49 countries and 13 international organizations participated in the forum.

What were the main discussion topics at the forum?

Key topics included digital trade cooperation,AI’s role in economic development,and the digital transformation of international transport.

What was the overarching goal of the meeting?

The goal was to boost cooperation between countries and explore new opportunities for the Digital Silk Route’s development.

Who organized the Digital Silk route Development Forum?

The World internet Conference organized the forum, with support from the fujian Provincial Government and other local entities.

What are your thoughts on Venezuela’s participation in global digital initiatives? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!

How does Venezuela’s pursuit of digital sovereignty impact its approach to international partnerships at events like the WIC?

Digital Diplomacy & Connectivity Initiatives

venezuela’s participation at the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC), held in Wuzhen, China, signals a growing focus on leveraging digital technologies for national development and international collaboration. Despite ongoing socio-economic challenges – as highlighted in recent reports regarding the humanitarian situation in Venezuela [https://www.merkur.de/welt/venezuela-geschichte-politik-bevoelkerung-und-geografie-92144902.html] – the nation views digital infrastructure and internet governance as crucial pathways to economic diversification and improved citizen services.

This year’s engagement centered around three key pillars:

Expanding Broadband Access: Discussions focused on attracting foreign investment for expanding Venezuela’s broadband infrastructure, notably in rural and underserved areas. The delegation showcased plans for utilizing satellite internet technology to bridge the digital divide.

Cybersecurity Cooperation: Venezuela actively participated in workshops concerning international cybersecurity protocols and data protection. Emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts to combat cybercrime and enhance national cybersecurity resilience.

Digital Sovereignty & Internet Governance: A prominent theme was Venezuela’s stance on digital sovereignty – the right of nations to control their own digital infrastructure and data. This aligns with broader discussions at the WIC regarding a multi-polar internet governance model.

Key Discussions & Partnerships

The Venezuelan delegation,lead by representatives from the Ministry of Popular Power for Science and Technology,engaged in bilateral meetings with several countries and tech companies. Notable discussions included:

1. China’s digital silk Road: Exploration of potential collaborations within China’s Digital Silk Road initiative, focusing on infrastructure development, 5G technology deployment, and smart city projects.
2. Russia’s cybersecurity Expertise: Continued dialogue with Russia regarding cybersecurity training and technology transfer, building on existing partnerships in this domain.
3. Latin American Regional Cooperation: Meetings with representatives from other Latin American nations to foster regional cooperation on internet governance, data privacy, and digital inclusion. The aim is to create a unified Latin American voice in international internet forums.
4. Huawei & ZTE Partnerships: Renewed discussions with Huawei and ZTE regarding the supply of telecommunications equipment and the development of 5G networks. These partnerships are viewed as vital for modernizing Venezuela’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Focus on Fintech & Digital Economy

A significant portion of Venezuela’s WIC presence was dedicated to showcasing its advancements in fintech and the digital economy. The country is actively exploring the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to circumvent international financial sanctions and facilitate trade.

Petro Cryptocurrency: The delegation presented updates on the Petro cryptocurrency, highlighting its potential for international transactions and attracting foreign investment.

digital Payment Systems: Discussions revolved around the development of secure and efficient digital payment systems to promote financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash.

E-commerce Initiatives: venezuela showcased initiatives aimed at promoting e-commerce and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the digital marketplace.

Challenges & Opportunities for Venezuela’s Digital Future

Despite the optimistic outlook presented at the WIC, Venezuela faces significant challenges in realizing its digital ambitions. These include:

Infrastructure deficiencies: The country’s telecommunications infrastructure is outdated and requires substantial investment.

Economic Sanctions: International sanctions continue to hinder access to financing and technology.

Political Instability: Ongoing political instability creates uncertainty for investors.

Digital Literacy Gap: A significant portion of the population lacks the digital skills necessary to participate fully in the digital economy.

However, opportunities remain:

Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with countries like China and Russia can provide access to funding and technology.

Innovation in Fintech: Venezuela’s experimentation with blockchain and cryptocurrencies could position it as a leader in fintech innovation.

Regional Cooperation: Strengthening regional cooperation with other Latin American nations can create a more unified and influential voice in international internet governance forums.

Venezuela’s Stance on Data Localization

Venezuela’s delegation strongly advocated for data localization policies, emphasizing the need to protect citizens’ data and ensure national security. This position aligns with a growing global trend towards greater control over data flows. The delegation proposed frameworks for regulating cross-border data transfers and establishing data centers within Venezuela. This is seen as a key component of achieving digital sovereignty and protecting national interests.

The Role of 5G Technology in Venezuela’s Development

The deployment of 5G technology is considered a critical step in Venezuela’s digital change. The delegation at the WIC explored partnerships with Chinese and Russian companies to accelerate the rollout of 5G networks. Potential applications of 5G in Venezuela include:

smart Agriculture: Improving agricultural productivity through precision farming techniques.

Smart Cities: Developing smart city solutions to improve urban infrastructure and services.

Remote Healthcare: expanding access to healthcare services in remote areas through telemedicine.

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