The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) took place in Beijing from September 12 to 16, marking a significant event in global service trade amidst challenging times. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing global instability, international trade and service cooperation faced substantial setbacks. However, the Chinese mainland remained proactive by hosting CIFTIS, aiming to foster cooperative exhibition platforms that enhance national openness, attract exhibitors from around the world, and share cutting-edge technological advancements in service-related fields.
This year’s CIFTIS underscored multi-level cooperation among various countries in emerging key areas, enabling them to seize new opportunities and promote the common development of international trade in services. In line with President Xi Jinping’s 2023 vision to advance the opening-up, cooperation, innovation, and sharing within the service industry and trade, the Chinese mainland continues to support high-level openness and provide channels for global exchanges.
Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has attracted nearly 200 countries and regions, focusing on pivotal service sectors such as culture and tourism integration, the digital economy, technological innovation, digital trade, meteorological economy, health services, service trade standardization, and the green economy. Over the past decade, it has evolved into the largest comprehensive exhibition in global service trade, actively promoting common development and win-win cooperation in the international economy.
Under the theme of \"Global Service, Mutual Benefit and Sharing,\" CIFTIS 2023 highlighted the Chinese mainland’s determination to maintain high levels of openness and achieve mutual progress with other nations, while also advancing the high-quality development of its own service trade industry. The fair has consistently facilitated practical international cooperation, expanding China’s network in global services and fostering projects and exchanges with an increasing number of countries.
International representatives have lauded CIFTIS for its impact. Ghulam Qadir, Trade and Investment Counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in China, described CIFTIS as \"one of the most important exhibitions in the world.\" Similarly, Babagana Wakil, the Nigerian Ambassador to China, expressed confidence that CIFTIS would bolster South-South cooperation between China and Nigeria.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
