By Hasan Muhammad

 

 

The 24th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), being held from September 8 to 11 in Xiamen, Fujian province, embodies China’s dedication to fostering global partnerships. This year’s theme, "Investment Connecting the World," isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a declaration of China’s commitment to global economic collaboration. With nearly 50 business matchmaking activities and roadshows, CIFIT is a hub for high-quality foreign investment in China and a catalyst for the country’s outbound investments. 

 

CIFIT isn’t merely a platform for high-quality foreign investment in China. It’s also a gateway for China’s outbound investments, bridging gaps in an increasingly interconnected world. In a world where economic landscapes are rapidly evolving, CIFIT’s role in promoting sustainable growth and innovation is more crucial than ever. This year's fair emphasizes the importance of multilateral and bilateral trade partnerships, focusing on critical sectors such as digital transformation, green industries, and emerging technologies.

 

The 24th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) seeks to solidify its position as a global hub for two-way investment, attracting government bodies, industry groups, and leading multinational companies from over 90 countries. CIFIT’s five specialized zones offer a window into the future, highlighting the BRICS new industrial revolution, the digital economy, national supply chain innovation, new energy, green innovation, and international security and legal technology. More than thematic areas, these zones represent the forefront of global industry, where cutting-edge technologies and investment strategies converge. They also serve as a critical nexus for discussing the latest trends and regional partnerships that will shape the future of industries worldwide.

 

The "Invest in China" matchmaking zone, unveiled for the first time at the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), represents China's ambitious push to solidify its standing as a global investment hub, one that embraces the future of industry with open arms. The zone is a testament to China's strategic focus on nurturing new productive forces across sectors that define the modern era - artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, life sciences, and green low-carbon technologies. 

 

Spanning over 13,000 square meters, this zone is divided into three dynamic sections: "Financial Capital Matchmaking," "Dialogue with Specialized and Innovative Hidden Champions," and "Selecting Economic Development Zones." These areas serve as a fertile ground for interaction, bringing together more than 100 institutions, including top-tier financial capital entities, innovative small and medium enterprises, and national-level economic development zones. The multifunctional layout - featuring a pitching stage, matchmaking zone, and negotiation corners - offers a dynamic environment for project roadshows, thematic presentations, and intense investment negotiations. 

 

In an era marked by volatile global markets and declining cross-border investments, China remains a beacon for foreign capital, reinforcing its role as a global economic powerhouse. Last year, China secured its position as the world’s second-largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI), while also ranking third in outbound direct investment. These achievements denote China's unyielding commitment to attracting and effectively utilizing foreign capital, even amid complex challenges. CIFIT stands as a corroboration of China’s commitment towards the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With participants from nearly 90 countries and regions, 80 percent of which are from BRI economies, the fair is a strategic platform for fostering global trade connections.