Improved CIFTIS to showcase new forces

The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services, or CIFTIS, to be held in Beijing from Sept 12 to 16, will showcase the achievements related to new quality productive forces and China's unwavering determination to further expand its opening-up policy, the fair's organizers said.

CIFTIS will be held at both the China National Convention Center (for comprehensive exhibitions) and the Shougang Park (for thematic exhibitions).

It has seen smooth preparations and significant results in inviting investments and exhibitions from different countries and regions. So far, 93 percent of the exhibition area has been completed.

The fair will highlight the integrated development of new quality productive forces with modern service industry, high-end manufacturing industry and modern agriculture.

It will also showcase the latest achievements in digital and intelligent fields, and the green development of China's trade in services, as well as the achievements of China's regional cooperation such as the integrated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

"The fair is set to invite more Fortune 500 companies, specialized and innovative enterprises, and unicorn firms compared with the fairs held in the past few years," said Ai Yinfang, deputy director of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges of the Ministry of Commerce.

"We will also hold the Beijing Fashion Week during CIFTIS, as we aim to create new consumer and tourism experiences and promote exhibitors to become investors, and thus inject new vitality into economic growth," Ai said.

In all, 72 countries and international organizations will set up offline booths. Among them, 12 countries and international organizations will independently hold offline exhibitions for the first time at CIFTIS, according to data from the organizers.

France will be the country of honor at this year's CIFTIS. It will set up a national pavilion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations. The design of the French pavilion will incorporate elements such as the Arc de Triomphe, and France plans to hold a group of events related to fashion, sports and other sectors.

Sichuan and Hainan provinces will serve as the provinces of honor and showcase some of the latest technologies related to aerospace, information technology, pharmaceuticals and new policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port, according to the organizers.

In addition, it will become more convenient for foreigners to participate in this year's event, as the organizers have been focused on meeting the practical demand of exhibitors and participating companies by facilitating simpler entry and exit procedures.

"With an invitation letter from CIFTIS, foreign participants can apply for port visas at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport," said Zhou Ling, deputy director of the Beijing International Trade in Services Center.

"The fair will also set up an entry and exit service desk on-site and provide consultation services on visa replacement and reissuance," Zhou said.