The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), which is being held in Beijing from September 10 to 14, has attracted 85 countries and regions, as well as international organizations. About 2,000 enterprises are participating in offline exhibitions, including 500 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading international industry enterprises.
At CIFTIS, foreign businesses are optimistic about China's role in the global economy, recognizing its unique strategic position and industrial advantages.
China: An indispensable strategic partner in global trade
"We believe that whenever the tiger in Iran and the dragon in China rise, the wolf cannot haul in the woods."
Muhammad Miri, Adviser on International Affairs and Foreign Direct Investment Attraction of Chabahar Free Trade Zone in Iran, underscored the significance of the 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Iran and China.
"To implement this agreement, we are participating in events like CIFTIS to increase the existing $30 billion trade to $60 or $100 billion within the next five years," Miri emphasized the substantial growth prospects in Sino-Iranian economic cooperation.
"We are working on the logistics sector, industrial parks, cultural exchanges, and seaports in different sectors," Miri explained.
Win-win partnership in science and technology
"The Chinese have already developed advanced technologies in the AI and media sectors," Muhammad Tarig, CEO of TRIO Communication in Pakistan, acknowledged China's technological edge.
His company, which operates in the IT and BPO industries and focuses on digital life, has maintained a strong cooperative relationship with Chinese enterprises.
"We have partners here. We export their products and also sell their products worldwide," he added. "We cannot compete with these Chinese high-tech enterprises, but we can work together and exchange knowledge."
Exploring cooperation with Guangdong in logistics, NEVs industries
Within China, Guangdong province has emerged as a particularly attractive destination for foreign businesses.
Located on the southern coast of China and adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao SARs, Guangdong boasts numerous ports. Miri acknowledges Guangdong's pivotal position in the global logistics chain.
"In such a strategic location, Guangdong can definitely be a significant logistical hub for the future," Miri stated, noting that they are seeking logistics cooperation at the seaports and that Guangdong can play an important role in the regional logistical chain, similar to Singapore and Hong Kong SAR.
Guangdong is also a major hub for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China. In 2024, the province's NEV output is expected to reach 430,000, a year-on-year increase of 43%, accounting for one-fourth of the country's total.
Tarig expresses a strong eagerness to partner with Guangdong's NEV producers. "People in Pakistan are moving to electric vehicles, so that's a great opportunity. We really want to work with you and see how we can sell your products in our market," he said.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo & Video | Guo Hongda
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
