The 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) opened Monday in the coastal city of Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province, promoting two-way investment and more inclusive global cooperation. Themed "Join Hands with China, Invest in the Future," the four-day event includes an exhibition area of 120,000 square meters and has attracted participants from over 120 countries and regions, including government agencies, chambers of commerce and multinational companies. Chinese President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer each sent a congratulatory letter marking the 25th anniversary of the CIFIT and stressing the importance of inclusive global trade and investment. Focusing on three major areas -- "Invest in China," "Chinese Investment" and "International Investment" -- the four-day event includes more than 100 investment-themed activities and features Britain as the guest country of honor. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech at the fair's opening ceremony. He said that the CIFIT is an important platform for the promotion of two-way investment in China and has become a bridge connecting China with the world, enabling the world to share in the development opportunities arising from Chinese modernization. He said that China will steadfastly advance its high-standard opening-up, deepen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains, and promote the Belt and Road Initiative. He expressed the hope that global investors will continue deepening their engagement in the Chinese market, working together to uphold the international economic and trade order, and writing a new chapter of win-win cooperation. The United Kingdom, as guest country of honor, has sent its largest-ever delegation to the event, comprising more than 100 companies. The UK aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote its role as a key partner of China in Europe. During the event, China's Ministry of Commerce released its first Outward Direct Investment Index, outlining key trends and future potential. Britain's 400-square-meter national pavilion, themed "Invest in GREAT," highlights key sectors such as financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, and creative industries. Several major forums, including the 2025 International Investment Forum and the Gulangyu Forum, will also be held on the sidelines of the fair, with 21 key reports to be released. First launched in 1997, the CIFIT, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, has become an important platform for boosting investment and facilitating global development. Shotlist: Xiamen City, Fujian Province, east China - Sept 8, 2025: 1. Aerial shots of venue of 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), traffic; Xiamen City, Fujian Province, east China - Sept 8, 2025 2. Opening ceremony of 25th CIFIT in progress; 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) He Lifeng, Chinese Vice Premier: "With stronger innovation and wider opening-up, the country promises more opportunities and a better business environment for foreign companies."; 4. Various of attendees; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Peter Wilson, British Ambassador to China: "Our prime minister says it's a pleasure to extend my support for the 2025 China International Fair for Investment and Trade. The participation of the United Kingdom as country of honor strengthens our trade and investment with China, as well as providing a platform for wider engagement."; 6. Banner; 7. Various of press conference releasing China Outward Direct Investment Index, attendees; 8. Brochure of China Outward Direct Investment Index; 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed in English) Yao Danbo, secretary-general, China International Contractors Association (ending with shot 10): "It is the first time China has released such an index. In the first half of the year, the country's Outward Investment Index stood at 142, showing high activity, with strong performance in manufacturing, wholesale and retail, mining and logistics services."; Xiamen City, Fujian Province, east China - Sept 8, 2025 10. Various of visitors at 25th CIFIT, booths, exhibits; 11. Various of British Pavilion at 25th CIFIT, visitors; 12. SOUNDBITE (English) Peter Wilson, British Ambassador to China (starting with shot 11/partially overlaid with shot 13): "We're sending the biggest delegation that we've ever sent to CIFIT and that is because there is such a strong interest in building up our business relationship with China. There is a lot of innovation that's happening within China that we are keen to be a part of. It's a very much a two-way exchange. We want to cooperate more with China."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 13. Exhibitors; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 14. Various of visitors at 25th CIFIT, booths, exhibits. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]