The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will be held at both China National Convention Center and Shougang Park from September 12 to 16. Recently, a news briefing on the upcoming 2024 CIFTIS was held under the theme "Join in CIFTIS, Embrace the Future". It was revealed that, 2024 CIFTIS will highlight "new quality productive forces, opening up and cooperation, its trade essence, and participation convenience", with the goal of becoming a grand fair dedicated to trade in services that is special and productive.

Highlighting new quality productive forces, to present innovative and specialized exhibitions and displays. This year's CIFTIS is set to host a high-standard exhibition for achievements of trade in services, with a focus on the integration of opening up and innovation. The exhibition will highlight the latest advancements in the digital, intelligent and green development of trade in services in China, as well as recent collaborative achievements in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Additionally, Sichuan and Hainan will serve as the guest provinces of honor and unveil new developments in their competitive industries, featuring aerospace, satellite, information technology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and new policies pertaining to the development of free trade zones. The Exhibition of Annual Theme and Thematic Exhibitions will put a spotlight on new quality productive forces as well as new models and forms of the integrated development of new quality productive forces with modern services industries, high-end manufacturing, and modern agriculture. This will encompass high-tech contents such as AI and metaverse technologies, satellite Internet, big data and computing power, fin-tech, digital culture and tourism, smart education, intelligent sports, intelligent construction, and energy-saving and carbon emission reduction technologies.

Underlining opening up and cooperation, to establish the fair as a public platform for international exchanges. This year's CIFTIS will continue to host the Global Trade in Services Summit, demonstrating China's unswerving determination to expand opening-up. It will invite a wide range of overseas countries, regions, international organizations, and renowned enterprises and institutions to host exhibitions and conferences, so as to facilitate in-depth discussions on service trade policies, standards, and rules. It is worth noting that France will be the guest country of honor at the 2024 CIFTIS. It will set up a national pavilion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations at the fair, and hold group of events related to fashion, sports, healthcare, investment and other sectors, to further cooperation between the two nations.

Emphasizing trade as its essence, to build the fair into a platform for negotiation and cooperation. This year's CIFTIS places greater emphasis on inviting high-quality exhibitors, engaging both Chinese and foreign purchasers in procurement, facilitating transactions, and attracting investment. To strengthen supply and demand matching, the fair will continue to assemble trade delegations of central SOEs, state-owned financial enterprises, and Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Additionally, it will expand the membership of the CIFTIS Exhibitors Federation, diversify the pool of purchasers, and provide targeted invitations, precise matching, and personalized services. Prior to the event, regular business matching and exchange activities will be organized for exhibitors and attendees. Throughout the fair, substantive promotional business talks tailored to specific themes will be launched. Additionally, Beijing Fashion Week, integrated cultural, sports, entertainment and shopping activities, "Invest Beijing" events, and more enriching supporting events including business investigations will be arranged to provide a completely new consumer and travel experience for exhibitors and attendees, while also encouraging exhibitors to transition into investors, thereby injecting new vitality into economic development.

Underscoring greater convenience for both attendees and exhibitors to participate in the fair, to provide them with a stronger sense of gain. The Shougang Park, a venue of this year's CIFTIS, will undergo upgrades and renovations, including streamlined facilities and further improved auxiliary amenities such as roadways, landscaping, and restroom facilities. In addition, the CIFTIS digital platform will be optimized to strengthen trade negotiation scenarios, and will introduce new features such as onsite meeting reservations for exhibitors and attendees, individual activity recommendations, and a scheduling calendar. These updates aim to improve the precision of intelligent booth and exhibit recommendations. Furthermore, e-badges have been introduced to enhance the efficiency of ticket and badge management by integrating data interfaces across certificate registration, review, and accreditation systems. This innovation also includes the streamlining of badge issuance processes, ultimately resulting in an improved overall experience for all participants.

(Source: Official website of CIFTIS)