China opens international services fair, attracting governments and global companies to explore the Chinese market.
Event in Beijing reinforces economic openness and brings together more than 2 companies from 85 countries, according to the Global Times
247 - The 12th edition of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) began this Wednesday (10), in Beijing, consolidating itself as one of the largest global events in the sector. According to Global TimesThe event is attended by representatives from 85 countries and international organizations, as well as nearly 2 companies, including 500 companies from the Fortune Global 500 list, such as Walmart, AstraZeneca, and KPMG.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter at the opening. He highlighted that "the global economic landscape is undergoing profound changes, where challenges and opportunities coexist in global development." Xi reaffirmed that China will remain committed to high-standard opening-up, expanding access to pilot free trade zones, and promoting quality development in the service sector, according to Xinhua.
Expanding opportunities and building international confidence.
with the motto "Embrace smart technologies, boost the service trade"CIFTIS 2025 offers new opportunities for foreign investors interested in the vast Chinese market. Representatives from countries such as Germany, Australia, Norway, and Ireland highlighted the fair's relevance as a platform for partnerships.
Derek Lambe, economic advisor at the Irish Embassy in Beijing, stated to Global Times"The Chinese economy is open, particularly in services. Sectors such as education, tourism, healthcare, and especially financial services and fintech represent great opportunities for us."
Norwegian trade advisor Henning Kristoffersen, based in Beijing, shared a similar view: “For us, China is an open market. We hope it continues to promote openness and drive the global trend. We come from a small country, dependent on international trade, and we don't like protectionism, which is very bad for countries like ours.”
Global companies showcase innovation.
Among the corporate highlights is KPMG China, which is participating in CIFTIS for the fifth consecutive year. This year, the company launched new sector research reports, focusing on artificial intelligence. Honson To, president of KPMG China and Asia-Pacific, highlighted that “China’s services trade maintains strong growth. As a window to high-level opening, CIFTIS will continue to optimize the sector’s structure and inject resilience into the country’s open economy.”
The Australian winery Treasury Wine Estates He also made an appearance, signing a memorandum of understanding with the University of Adelaide to further exchange programs in China. In a note to Global TimesThe company stated that "CIFTIS allows us to understand the trends in the Chinese market and reinforces our commitment to the country as a long-term growth opportunity."
Global cooperation platform
Established in 2012, CIFTIS has become the world's largest trade fair dedicated to the trade of services. According to the China News Agency, it has already attracted more than 1,19 million participants from 198 countries and regions.
According to Sheng Qiuping, Vice Minister of Commerce, in the first half of 2025 alone, the sector generated 3,9 trillion yuan, an 8% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Experts like Hu Qimu, from... Forum 50 for Digital-Real Economies IntegrationThe event reinforces the message that China will continue with its "open-door policy," fostering trust and cooperation amid global uncertainties.
“The meeting in Beijing demonstrates China’s openness and development potential in services such as finance, education, health, tourism, and logistics,” Hu said. “The broad international participation confirms confidence in the prospects of the Chinese economy and proves that cooperation and mutual gains are the path to sustainable development.”
