China - September 13, 2024

China Int'l Fair for Trade in Services opens in Beijing

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At the opening ceremony, Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In the letter, President Xi mentioned that CIFTIS has been successfully held for ten sessions, serving as a vivid reflection of the high-quality development of China's service industry and trade in services. It has also made significant contributions to building an open global economy.

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Yin Li, Member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee/Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee:

"China will adhere to promoting high-quality development through high-level openness, improving mechanisms for high-level openness, innovating and enhancing trade in services, and actively aligning with international high-standard economic and trade rules. We will work to integrate regulations, governance, and standards in the services sector, gradually expanding the openness of the service market, enhancing platforms for the openness of the service industry and trade in services, and creating a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and international."

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In his letter, President Xi also emphasized China’s willingness to join hands with other countries, embracing the trend of globalization, sharing opportunities, and promoting cooperation for mutual growth.

World leaders and representatives from international organizations also addressed the opening ceremony. They said the cooperation potential in the services sectors is massive.

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Georgios Katrougkalos, Former Greek Foreign Minister:

"I think that President Xi said essentially we need a fair globalization with a spirit of win. And I think that it's the right way to go along – not with protectionism, not with hegemonic efforts by some countries."

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Neal Lewis, UK's HM Trade Commissioner to China:

"When the prime minister and the president spoke a few weeks ago, they agreed that trade and investment was one of the areas that we should be looking to collaborate more. So, I am very much here to support the UK’s services businesses across financial, professional services, sports, education, tourism, and life care, and life sciences and health care."

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Christopher Lipscombe, President of the New Zealand China Friendship Society:

"I was very heartened by the words that I heard from President Xi. I think the opportunities to open up the relationship between New Zealand and China with an extended focus on trade and services is a tremendous opportunity for New Zealand. The trade in education and tourism has been incredibly important, and we know that there's a two way opportunity there."

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As a major platform for China’s opening-up, CIFTIS is becoming a key indicator of global services trade trends. Its growing influence highlights China’s commitment to working with countries, international organizations, and global businesses to boost international trade and drive world economic growth.

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