Research on the Measurement of Digital Trade Development Level in Guangxi

Guangxi, with its coastal, riverine, and border advantages, serves as a key hub for China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation. The rapid development of the digital economy has brought new opportunities for Guangxi's economic growth. Digital trade has become a prominent research topic in recent years. At the regional level, the *"Guangxi Development Plan for the ASEAN-Oriented 'Digital Silk Road' (2021-2025)"* explicitly emphasizes the construction of digital trade promotion platforms and the facilitation of digital trade channels. This study builds upon prior research to systematically review the theory and evolution of digital trade.

The paper analyzes the current state of digital trade development in Guangxi from three perspectives: digital economy growth, international trade levels, and the progress of the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone. By establishing an evaluation index system for Guangxi's digital trade development and applying the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, the study identifies the most influential factors: digital technology (36.58%), industrial digital trade (24.06%), and digital trade infrastructure (16.69%). Based on these findings, the paper further examines the opportunities and challenges in Guangxi's digital trade development. Finally, it proposes strategies to enhance digital trade, including advancing digital technology R&D and application, strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering digital trade enterprises, and promoting the digital transformation of traditional trade businesses.