Summary of the Core Content
This news article, through data analysis, policy discussions, and logical reasoning, clarifies that the e-commerce economy has long been an integral part of the real economy, rather than a “virtual economy.” It not only serves as a driving force for economic growth (with national online retail sales reaching 15.97 trillion yuan and creating 79 million jobs) but is also transforming towards higher-quality development through technological innovations (such as AI combined with e-commerce) and policy support (in areas like finance and talent). The article emphasizes that it’s time to move away from the outdated notion of e-commerce being in opposition to the real economy and focus on how to leverage e-commerce to promote sustainable economic growth.
Detailed Interpretation
1. The “Real Strength” of the E-Commerce Economy: The True Contribution Behind the Numbers
You might think of e-commerce as simply “selling things online,” but the data shows that it has become a vital pillar of the economy:
- At the county level: During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, rural online retail sales exceeded 3 trillion yuan, with over 20 million rural merchants. Returning youths and talented individuals from rural areas have started businesses through e-commerce. By the second half of 2025, 21.21 million individual businesses will be operating on platforms, a 11.1% increase from the previous year—these represent real jobs and income generation.
- National level: By 2025, national online retail sales are expected to reach 15.97 trillion yuan, of which 13.09 trillion yuan will be for tangible goods, directly contributing to a 1.3% increase in social consumption. This sector employs 79 million people (equivalent to the population of two Shanghai cities). There are more than 2,000 “e-commerce + industrial belts” (for example, Zhejiang Yiwu’s small commodities and Guangdong Humen’s clothing, which are sold nationwide through e-commerce).
These figures demonstrate that e-commerce is not an illusion but a real economic force.
2. Stop Viewing E-Commerce as “Virtual”: It’s Already Part of the Real Economy
Many still consider e-commerce to be a virtual sector, but this is a outdated view:
- From the perspective of the industrial chain: Every online order involves research and development, production, warehousing, logistics, and after-sales services. For instance, when you buy a piece of clothing online, it involves garment factories, fabric manufacturers, couriers, and customer service—all of which are physical entities. Moving transactions online only changes the platform where sales occur; the nature of the goods and jobs remains the same.
- Definition of the real economy: The real economy includes commercial services (such as supermarkets and stores), and e-commerce is essentially a form of “online commercial service,” thus belonging to the real economy. The article states that harming e-commerce is harmful to the real economy; for example, shutting down an e-commerce platform can affect thousands of factories, logistics companies, and workers.
3. E-Commerce Needs to “Upgrade”: From Competing on Traffic to Competing on Technology
In the past, e-commerce relied on low prices to attract customers, but now it must rely on technological innovation:
- Policy guidance: A joint statement from six departments calls for e-commerce companies to invest in technology, such as using large AI models to improve the shopping experience (more accurate product recommendations), reduce costs (AI-powered customer service), and enhance logistics efficiency (smart warehousing).
- Company actions: Companies like Taobao Group are focusing on recruiting talent in AI and cross-border operations. This indicates that e-commerce is evolving from a mere sales channel to an industrial infrastructure, using digital technology to help factories improve production and farmers sell their products more effectively.
4. Policy Support for E-Commerce’s High-Quality Development
Both the national and local governments are providing substantial support for the high-quality development of the e-commerce industry:
- Financial support: Policies offer loans and equity financing for e-commerce companies, encouraging financial institutions to develop innovative credit products (using e-commerce data for credit assessments). They also support eligible companies in issuing bonds and going public—these are tangible forms of financial assistance.
- Other measures: Policies aim to leverage data (e.g., using e-commerce data for business decision-making) and cultivate talent (recruiting AI specialists). Local governments offer subsidies and build industrial parks to promote e-commerce development, aiming to turn it into a more efficient form of productivity.
5. Moving Beyond the Debate over “Virtual vs. Real”: The Focus Should Be on How to Make Best Use of E-Commerce
The article concludes that the debate about whether e-commerce is part of the real economy is outdated. The focus should now be on:
- Overcoming oppositional thinking: Recognizing that e-commerce and the real economy are interconnected.
- Promoting innovation: Helping e-commerce transition from growth in scale to quality improvement, using technology to enhance the efficiency of traditional industries.
- Implementing policy support: Ensuring that financial and talent initiatives are effectively put into place to support the high-quality development of the e-commerce industry.
In summary, e-commerce has long become an integral part of the real economy. The focus should now be on how to maximize its potential rather than debating its nature.