The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has once again welcomed friends at home and abroad in Beijing from September 12 to 16, showcasing a vibrant array of international services and products.
This year's event has seen the participation of over 80 countries and international organizations, with 13 of them setting up their own pavilions for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the fair's history. As the event progresses, the excitement and optimism are palpable, with participants from around the world looking for the vast amount of cooperation opportunities that CIFTIS 2024 brings.
At the heart of the international showcase is France, which takes on the prestigious role of the Country of Honor. The French Pavilion, a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit, has become a magnet for visitors seeking a taste of France's beauty, culture, and brand excellence. With iconic representations of the Arc de Triomphe and the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the pavilion offers an immersive experience into the essence of French lifestyle and innovation.
"France is honored to be the Guest of Honor at CIFTIS 2024," said Bertrand Lortholary, the French Ambassador to China. "Our pavilion is a celebration of our cultural diversity and a platform to explore new avenues of cooperation with our Chinese partners. We look forward to a fruitful exchange and to deepening our ties through this event."
Among the first-time independent pavilions, Nigeria's presence is particularly noteworthy. The Nigerian Pavilion has become a hub of activity, with many visitors showing keen interest in the country's traditional goods, especially the handcrafted drum, which is a symbol of Nigerian culture. Isah, the Representative of the Nigeria Pavilion, exclaimed that he was excited to be here, to share the Nigerian culture with the Chinese people, and to learn more about the Chinese culture.
Australia, another prominent participant, is celebrating its second year at CIFTIS with a strong contingent of 20 representative organizations. "The Australian Pavilion has been a fantastic success", said John Madew, Deputy Consul-General (Commercial) at the Australian Consulate in Shanghai. He noted that the economies of China and Australia have strong complementarity, and that in CIFTIS this year, Australia pays special attention to goods and services with sustainability, as well as knowledge transfer and sharing, which also embodies sustainability achieved through education. He also expressed the wish of Australia becoming the Country of Honor of 2025 CIFTIS.
The Pakistan representative team, returning for its second year in CIFTIS, is eager to attract Chinese investment in various sectors. "We have some different projects in Pakistan, and we also have some ports, the seaport," said Faisal Rasheed, Representative of the Pakistan Pavilion. "We hope that we can find some more Chinese investors who can benefit from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and our shared vision for prosperity." He especially noted the friendship between China and Pakistan, and the prominent willingness from both sides to cooperate in business and investment.
The 2024 CIFTIS facilitates global cooperation in trade in services and cultural exchange through providing a platform for countries to exhibit their services and products, and the new partnerships and collaborations achieved are poised to shape the future of international trade in services.
Reporter | Chua, Sheryl
Video | Leo
Editor | Nan, Monica, James
