Zhou Jiangyong (left), Party secretary of Hangzhou, and industrial leaders discuss Hangzhou's digital economy on Dialogue, a prime time daily English talk show on CCTV. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Digital economy, an important driving force behind Hangzhou's economic development, became the focus on an episode of Dialogue, a prime time daily English talk show on CCTV.

The show invited Zhou Jiangyong, Party secretary of Hangzhou, and industrial leaders and experts from leading internet companies to share their thoughts on Hangzhou's digital economy.

Internet of things, cloud computing, and big data, all crucial to developing a strong digital economy, are penetrating every aspect of Hangzhou, from its digital infrastructure and industries to digital innovation and governance.

Last December, Hangzhou unveiled its ambitious plan to become the nation's foremost digital city through three major paths - industrialization of digital resources, digitalization of industries, and urban digitalization.

Industrialization of digital resources

Hangzhou, which is home to a number of world renowned internet companies, has been stepping up efforts to cultivate characteristic towns and attract entrepreneurs from home and abroad.

Zhang Yong, CEO of Alibaba Group, said that the company has witnessed the city grow into the capital of e-commerce. Today all of society is embracing digital economy.

In addition to its beautiful scenery, Hangzhou is also reputed for its sound government services.

"Hangzhou provides comprehensive and practical services to innovative companies, which is why we decided to set up shop in the city," said Ding Lei, CEO and founder of NetEase, one of China's leading internet and online game service providers.

Zhou believes that Hangzhou's healthy living environment and strength in innovation and entrepreneurship drive the development of the city's digital economy.