The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is poised to kick off from September 12 to 16 in Beijing, according to an announcement made at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on August 30. At the event, Assistant Minister of Commerce Tang Wenhong and Beijing Vice Mayor Si Maohong detailed the progress in China’s service trade development and the preparations for the upcoming fair.
A Showcase of Service Trade Innovation and Collaboration
The CIFTIS, themed Global Services, Mutually Beneficial Sharing, aims to enhance the global influence of the event by focusing on three key areas of improvement: the role of the open platform, the level of the comprehensive achievement exhibition, and the quality of forums and conferences. Assistant Minister Tang Wenhong highlighted that the fair is committed to becoming the most influential service trade event globally, injecting new vitality into the world economy.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
This year’s CIFTIS is expected to be a significant gathering, with over 800 Chinese and foreign guests converging to discuss and plan for future development. The event will feature a high-profile Global Service Trade Summit, a comprehensive achievement exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in service trade openness and high-quality development, and over 100 forums and conferences.
The fair has historically been a platform for international cooperation in service trade, attracting participants from 197 countries and regions, with over 900,000 exhibitors and visitors. This year, more than 80 countries and international organizations will set up exhibitions and host events, with 13, including Portugal and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, participating for the first time as independent exhibitors. France will serve as the guest of honor for the first time and will feature a special pavilion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations. Sichuan and Hainan provinces will also act as guest provinces, hosting distinctive exhibitions and activities.
A Focus on Innovation and New Technologies
The 2024 CIFTIS will place a strong emphasis on showcasing new productive forces and service trade characteristics. It will highlight cutting-edge technologies and applications such as satellite internet, big data and computing power, and zero-carbon technologies. The fair will also focus on the integration of productive service trade with industrial development and the potential of lifestyle service trade to stimulate and expand service consumption.
At the event, over 100 enterprises and institutions, including the Universal Postal Union and Philips, will launch new technologies and products. These include the first artificial intelligence orthopedic surgical robot and applications for the integration of the metaverse with reality, leading the way in industry innovation trends.
A Boost for Economic Development
The CIFTIS is not just a platform for showcasing technology and innovation; it is also a significant opportunity for economic development. More than 420 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders have confirmed their participation, with 37 local and central enterprise delegations assembled to foster precise and practical outcomes.
The fair’s preparations are nearly complete, with Assistant Minister Tang Wenhong stating that the event will be a resounding success, contributing to the growth of the global service trade industry and fostering deeper international cooperation.
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the global economy, the CIFTIS stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, offering a glimpse into the future of service trade and the potential for mutual growth and prosperity.
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