1. Introduction

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a crucial platform through which China advances the construction of a community with a shared future for humankind, promoting economic prosperity and regional cooperation. At present, the digital economy is empowering the BRI by driving economic growth and industrial upgrading in participating countries, thereby deepening regional economic integration [1].

At the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of the Liangzhu Forum to deepen civilizational dialogue with Belt and Road partner countries, and announced the founding of the Silk Road Tourism Cities Alliance, further expanding the scope and depth of cultural exchange and economic cooperation among participating nations. The rapid development of digital technologies is reshaping the global economic landscape, and digital transformation has already become a critical driving force for achieving high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative. Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence has emerged as a key force for breaking down barriers and reshaping global patterns. AI-powered APP digital humans, leveraging technologies such as natural language processing, provide intelligent information services; digitalized packaging, through machine learning, optimizes processes, promotes brands with intelligent strategies, and innovates distribution models. This study focuses on the integration pathways of these two technologies, grounded in the theory of AI empowerment and informed by policy and technological trends, to analyze their roles in promoting trade and cultural exchange. Based on practical application scenarios, the study examines the capabilities and points of synergy between the two, evaluates the feasibility of their integration, and provides insights to support the development of the digital economy and mutual cultural understanding among Belt and Road countries.

2. Current development and functional analysis

2.1. Development status

In recent years, propelled by the strong momentum of artificial intelligence technologies, APP digital humans under the Belt and Road Initiative have witnessed rapid development. Numerous technology enterprises and research institutions have increased their investment in research and development, driving digital humans beyond simple voice interaction toward a new stage characterized by complex intelligent capabilities, including multimodal interaction, emotion recognition, and cultural adaptability. Their unique digital personas and intelligent interactive experiences have attracted a broad audience to participate in cultural heritage and exchange activities, breaking through the spatial and temporal limitations of traditional cultural dissemination and enhancing the impact of cultural communication [2]. For instance, some APP digital humans, supported by natural language processing technologies, are capable of fluently communicating with users in multiple languages spoken in Belt and Road countries. They also utilize image recognition technologies to showcase traditional Chinese cultural attire, helping people across participating countries gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

2.2. Functional analysis

2.2.1. Multilingual interaction function

Enabled by advanced natural language processing and speech recognition technologies, cultural experience AI digital humans are capable of real-time multilingual dialogue and precise translation. These systems not only accurately detect subtle linguistic differences across various cultural contexts, but also provide contextually appropriate translations. Unlike traditional literal translation tools, digital humans can adapt their translation style according to the user’s region and cultural background, thereby facilitating a more nuanced understanding of Chinese culture.For example, cultural exchange digital humans boast a speech recognition accuracy rate exceeding 98% and can perform seamless bidirectional translation between Chinese and multiple foreign languages, offering users an immersive cultural experience.

2.2.2. Cultural interaction experience

By leveraging machine learning and virtual reality technologies, AI digital humans deeply explore the richness of Chinese culture and design engaging cultural challenge games, such as cultural knowledge quizzes and traditional craftsmanship simulation tasks. At the same time, through virtual reality, digital humans recreate scenes of traditional Chinese festivals and folk customs, enabling users to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Chinese culture. For instance, in a simulated Spring Festival scenario, users can participate in activities such as writing Spring Festival couplets and making dumplings, thereby enhancing their understanding and experiential engagement with Chinese culture.

2.2.3. Personalized tour guide and assisted exploration function

Leveraging artificial intelligence-powered computer vision and 3D modeling technologies, digital humans function as virtual tour guides within mobile applications, providing users with immersive cultural scene explorations. These digital guides vividly render Chinese cultural characteristics and historical heritage in three-dimensional formats and employ augmented reality to deliver real-time interpretive commentary for users during on-site visits.When users scan architectural landmarks or cultural artifacts, the digital human promptly provides detailed historical and cultural narratives, enabling international visitors to gain a profound appreciation of the richness and allure of Chinese civilization.

3. Development trends and advantages of packaging digitalization

3.1. Development trends

Currently, the global packaging industry is accelerating its digital transformation under the impetus of technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Taking China as an example, the digital packaging printing market has continuously expanded, maintaining a high compound annual growth rate. In terms of technological applications, AI-driven digital printing technologies—including inkjet and electrophotography—have become widely adopted; computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies have undergone intelligent upgrades through AI algorithms, optimizing production processes and improving resource utilization efficiency; the integration of IoT technologies with AI enables real-time monitoring and intelligent management of production equipment, ensuring continuity and stability in manufacturing [3].

3.2. Advantages analysis

Packaging digitalization, through the deep integration of artificial intelligence technologies with production processes, comprehensively transforms the traditional packaging industry and demonstrates multidimensional competitive advantages. It not only breaks the constraints of conventional production methods, shortening production cycles and enhancing efficiency, but also meets the diversified demands of the market, thereby strengthening enterprises’ production flexibility and adaptability.

Packaging digitalization aligns with the demands of green development and has become an industry trend. By employing intelligent analysis and optimizing packaging structures, as well as adopting lightweight designs and environmentally friendly materials, it reduces packaging costs and environmental impact. Precise production monitoring lowers the risk of inventory overstock, adhering to the Belt and Road Initiative’s green development principles. This approach helps enterprises minimize environmental footprints and operational risks, effectively reducing material waste during the production process.

Digitalized packaging leverages artificial intelligence–based data analysis and personalized recommendation technologies to create innovative opportunities for brand marketing [4]. Through digital touchpoints on packaging, such as QR codes and NFC technology, consumers can access detailed product information, brand stories, and online promotional activities. Enterprises utilize AI to analyze consumer behavior data, enabling precise delivery of marketing content and enhancing brand influence. By analyzing users’ browsing histories, companies push personalized content that strengthens user engagement and brand loyalty.

4. Integration pathways between Belt and Road APP digital humans and packaging digitalization

4.1. Integration based on cultural communication

4.1.1. Concrete presentation of cultural elements

Supported by artificial intelligence, digital humans possess enhanced cultural comprehension and generative capabilities. Digital humans within Belt and Road APPs serve as cultural ambassadors, integrating cultural elements from participating countries into packaging design. For example, the design of certain digital humans combines traditional Chinese classical aesthetics with contemporary international tastes. Their attire and facial expressions are meticulously crafted through AI algorithms to convey China’s friendly and open cultural attitude. Furthermore, digital humans can generate personalized packaging design schemes tailored to users’ diverse cultural backgrounds, thereby strengthening cultural identity.

4.1.2. Interactive cultural interpretation

By leveraging artificial intelligence technologies such as augmented reality and voice interaction, digital humans endow packaging with interactive functionalities. When consumers scan designated AR recognition areas on the packaging using the APP, digital humans appear as virtual avatars to deliver vivid cultural explanations. Utilizing natural language processing, these digital humans engage in real-time dialogue with consumers, answering questions related to cultural knowledge. This breaks away from the traditional one-way communication model of packaging, enhancing the entertainment value of cultural dissemination and increasing consumer engagement, thereby strengthening user retention within the APP.

4.2. Integration for innovative user experience

Artificial intelligence brings a novel user experience to the integration of digital humans and packaging digitalization. After purchasing digitally enhanced packaging products incorporating augmented reality and virtual reality technologies, consumers are guided by APP digital humans to enter virtual environments that simulate product usage processes and brand stories. For example, by scanning the packaging of Southeast Asian specialty foods, digital humans lead users into a virtual Southeast Asian market scene, introducing food production techniques and local culinary culture, thereby enhancing the product’s added value. Simultaneously, leveraging the customization advantages of digitalized packaging, consumers can personalize features through the APP, such as selecting the digital human’s voice style and packaging cultural elements, thereby reinforcing the digital human’s cultural communication function.

5. Value and benefits of integration

In some countries along the Belt and Road, logistics infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and trade efficiency is constrained by multiple factors [5]. The rise of the digital economy has driven global attention toward building a fair, open, and shared economic environment. Leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, packaging customization can be precisely aligned with the trade regulations and market demands of various countries, enabling rapid design and production. The integration of the Internet of Things and AI facilitates digital traceability of goods, improving logistics accuracy and efficiency while reducing resource consumption and pollution. Through big data analytics, packaging dimensions can be optimized, and equipment failures can be predicted and maintained proactively. Moreover, design and production cycles can be significantly shortened, allowing enterprises to respond more promptly to market orders and accelerate product launch speeds [6]. If the Belt and Road APP digital humans collaborate effectively with packaging digitalization by incorporating cultural elements into packaging design and disseminating cultural stories through digital humans to evoke resonance and foster mutual understanding, cultural identity will be strengthened, thereby generating greater trade benefits. This integration lays a solid cultural foundation for economic cooperation, making cultural identity a vital link in international collaboration.

The integration has established a digitalized, interactive, and globalized marketing model for enterprises. Leveraging China’s abundant and diverse factor endowments—including labor, capital, and natural resources—China has developed distinctive industrial structural advantages within the Belt and Road trade framework. Strong production and export capacities are demonstrated in manufacturing and related sectors, complementing resource-based and agriculture-specialized countries along the Belt and Road, thereby expanding the scope and depth of trade cooperation. The trade model is evolving from traditional goods trade toward diversified forms such as service trade and digital trade, promoting industrial upgrading domestically and generating positive trade effects for partner countries, including technology diffusion and industrial coordination [7]. In terms of digital marketing, packaging serves as a bridge connecting online and offline media, enabling enterprises to set digital touchpoints through digital humans that guide consumers to participate in online marketing activities. Regarding interactive marketing, digital humans utilize intelligent interactive capabilities to recommend products and cultural content based on consumer inquiries and preferences, achieving precise marketing. In global marketing, digital human representations and multicultural elements on packaging attract worldwide attention through social media and other channels, enhancing brand international recognition and reputation while expanding overseas markets.

6. Challenges and countermeasures in integration

The integration of Belt and Road APP digital humans and packaging digitalization faces multiple challenges. On the technical front, data security issues are prominent due to the involvement of sensitive information, where breaches could have severe consequences. Additionally, poor system compatibility adversely affects user experience. Enterprises need to establish robust protection systems using technologies such as quantum encryption and blockchain encryption, enforce strict access controls, and strengthen data management. It is also essential to promote industry-wide standardization, collaborate with manufacturers, adopt cross-platform technologies, and conduct regular maintenance and upgrades. Culturally, the Belt and Road encompasses numerous countries with diverse understandings of cultural elements such as colors and patterns, which can easily lead to misunderstandings. Enterprises must cultivate cultural ^sensitivity, employ AI technologies to provide personalized content and services, and build multilingual systems that dynamically adjust strategies based on user behavior. Regarding the market, consumers along the Belt and Road often exhibit low awareness and considerable behavioral differences, increasing promotion difficulties. Enterprises should develop a multidimensional publicity system, leveraging both offline exhibitions and online new media channels. Governments also need to implement supportive policies to guide procurement and foster market development.

7. Conclusion

The integration of Belt and Road APP digital humans and packaging digitalization, empowered by artificial intelligence, offers an innovative model for economic cooperation and cultural exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative. Although challenges remain in the areas of technology, culture, and market dynamics, these can be addressed through the improvement of digital economy governance systems, strengthening of legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancement of supervision capabilities, cultivation of specialized talent, and deepening of international cooperation. Such efforts are expected to achieve goals including improved trade efficiency, reinforced cultural identity, and promoted industrial upgrading [8]. With the continuous advancement of AI technologies, the integration of these two elements will play an increasingly significant role in the development of the Belt and Road, creating more opportunities for countries along the route and contributing to the construction of a digital economy community. This topic merits ongoing and in-depth research and attention.