The 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) opened in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on September 8. Held under the permanent theme "Expanding Two-Way Investment for Global Development," CIFIT is China's only national-level exhibition dedicated to investment and one of the world's most influential international investment events.
This year's fair covers 200,000 square meters, making it the largest exhibition area in its history. It brings together more than 1,200 government and business delegations from 129 countries and regions, along with 30 international organizations. It will also feature 46 thematic events and 52 project roadshows.
Guangdong serves as one of the two guest provinces of honor this year, along with Qinghai, showcasing its investment opportunities, industrial strengths and latest innovations at a dedicated pavilion.
Guangdong has set up a 720-square-meter pavilion, where representatives from the province's 21 cities and major companies are promoting investment opportunities and emerging industries. The pavilion highlights artificial intelligence, aerospace technology, marine industries, cultural and creative industries and other sectors, while showcasing the province's industrial strengths and new growth drivers.
Four major cooperation platforms are featured: the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone; the Demonstration Zone of All-round Cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in Nansha, Guangzhou; and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone. These platforms highlight Guangdong's efforts to expand institutional opening-up and attract international investment.
Guangdong remains China's largest provincial trading economy. Its foreign trade reached 9.49 trillion yuan (USD 1.32 trillion) in 2025, accounting for 20.9 percent of China's total and ranking first nationwide for the 40th consecutive year. In the first half of 2026, its imports and exports rose 20.8 percent year on year to 5.49 trillion yuan.
The province also reported stronger foreign-investment activity in the first half of this year, with 16,000 new foreign-invested companies established, up 8.4 percent year on year. Actual foreign investment reached 62.55 billion yuan, an increase of 6.8 percent.
Guangdong's participation comes as CIFIT places greater emphasis on two-way investment. The fair has expanded its Chinese investment section to nearly 20,000 square meters and has added matchmaking activities linking Chinese companies with overseas markets.
Reporter | Zeng Xiangxing
Photos | Zeng Xiangxing
Video | Zeng Xiangxing
Poster | Zeng Xiangxing
