An international delegate stands beside an autonomous shuttle during a technology demonstration in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Photo Credit: Xinhua

NNA News - Political party representatives and media professionals from 21 countries visited southwest China's Guizhou Province this week to examine developments in artificial intelligence, autonomous transport and the province's growing digital economy. The four-day visit, organised by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), ran from 3 to 6 July and included visits to technology companies, big data facilities and urban development projects in Guiyang.

Delegates toured the National Big Data (Guizhou) Comprehensive Pilot Zone Exhibition Centre, where officials showcased applications of artificial intelligence and data analytics across sectors including agriculture, transport and public services. The delegation also travelled aboard an autonomous shuttle operating on Guiyang's "Wonder Loop" sightseeing route, where participants observed the vehicle's automated driving system and safety features.

Francesco Maringio, a member of the Central Committee of the Italian Communist Party and head of its Asia Desk, said the visit provided insight into how technology is being integrated into public services. "This was also my first time riding an autonomous vehicle, and this cutting-edge technology struck me as truly extraordinary," Maringio said.

He said technological development had the potential to support economic growth while improving people's quality of life. "Technological development fuels economic growth, raises incomes and substantially improves people's livelihoods on a large scale," he said. Maringio added that cooperation between Italy and Guizhou could continue to expand, noting that autonomous shuttle technology similar to the vehicle demonstrated in Guiyang is already operating in Turin. "European countries including Italy have vast potential for cooperation with Guizhou," he said.

Members of an international delegation tour the National Big Data (Guizhou) Comprehensive Pilot Zone Exhibition Centre in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, during a visit examining developments in artificial intelligence and big data. Photo Credit: Xuhua 

Vincent Cziesla, head of the Editorial Department of Our Time, the official newspaper of the German Communist Party, said the autonomous vehicle demonstrated the pace of technological development in the province. "This was an entirely new experience for me," Cziesla said. "The vehicle features abundant high-tech applications... It runs fully driverless, delivering a thrilling yet reliably safe journey."

The delegation also viewed digital agriculture technologies, including real-time monitoring systems used in livestock production. Paul Ilado, editorial director of Kenya's Radio Africa Group, said seeing the technology in operation offered a clearer understanding of how data could support agricultural decision-making. "It is truly eye-opening," Ilado said. "Experiencing them on site makes abstract data concrete, allowing us to see their practical functions in daily life."

Guizhou has emerged as one of China's major digital economy hubs, with authorities investing in big data infrastructure, artificial intelligence and smart transport as part of the province's broader economic development strategy.