The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) launched in Beijing this week, showcasing a commitment to open markets and cutting-edge digital innovation. Held for the first time entirely at Shougang Park—a sprawling industrial heritage site repurposed for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics—the event highlights China's evolving role in shaping global services trade.
Under the theme "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services," the fair has drawn participation from 85 countries and international organizations, including Australia, Germany, and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Nearly 2,000 companies are exhibiting, with nearly 500 Fortune Global 500 firms such as Walmart, AstraZeneca, and KPMG in attendance. Notably, 26 of the world's top 30 services trade economies are represented.
Shougang Park's transformation from a steel mill to a hub for global dialogue underscores the fair's emphasis on sustainable development and technological collaboration. Interactive exhibits on AI-driven logistics, green finance, and cross-border e-commerce aim to bridge industry gaps while fostering international partnerships.
Analysts note the event's timing aligns with rising global demand for digital service integration, particularly in healthcare, fintech, and smart infrastructure. For investors, the fair offers a pulse on Asia's innovation pipeline, while academics highlight its role in standardizing cross-border data flows and intellectual property frameworks.
Reference(s):
China service trade fair: Global participation, open markets
cgtn.com