The State Council, China's Cabinet, approved the establishment of a pilot zone for Silk Road e-commerce in East China's Shanghai in October last year – marking a major step towards greater openness in the e-commerce sector.

As a result, several projects have been launched within this zone over the past year, including a notable collaboration with US-based multinational e-commerce giant eBay that has yielded very promising outcomes.

Since its entry into the Chinese market in 2003, eBay has been instrumental in driving global e-commerce innovation and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding their international reach. 

The company has now set up its international cross-border trade headquarters in Shanghai – targeting markets in China, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

What's more, eBay is also establishing a research center in China, which will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as big data analytics and artificial intelligence.

In a bid to further boost cross-border trade, eBay has launched what it calls its Cross-Border E-Commerce Plus Industrial Belt development plan. 

The initiative seeks to harness Shanghai's strategic strengths while leveraging regional industrial clusters – helping local manufacturers gain access to global markets.

Overall, eBay says it's committed to fostering e-commerce talent by partnering with universities and training institutions to provide courses and competitions. 

The talent development program aims to equip individuals with the skills necessary for the long-term success of the Silk Road e-commerce pilot zone.