The Ministry of Commerce and the Organizing Committee of the 14th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) held a joint press conference in Shanghai on March 23 to promote the 14th CIFIT and the 2nd World Investment Forum. They also extended an invitation to foreign consulates in Shanghai, investment promotion agencies worldwide, multinational companies, chambers of commerce, and trade associations to take part in the 14th CIFIT and the 2nd World Investment Forum in Xiamen for explore infinite business opportunities.

At the press conference, Xiamen Vice Mayor Huang Ling stated that the upcoming CIFIT will have four highlights: 

First, the 2nd World Investment Forum will be staged to coincide with the 14th CIFIT. Thus, the two events are set to grab the attention of the world thanks to China’s brilliant development prospects and the boundless business opportunities in the Chinese market. About 80 countries and regions are expected to stage exhibitions at CIFIT and representatives from 120 countries and regions will be in attendance. To date, nearly 20 countries and regions have confirmed their intentions to take part, including Finland, Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, Estonia, Indonesia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United States, Jordan, Hong Kong, and Macao. The Ministry of Commerce will also arrange a number of multilateral and bilateral economic and trade events during the upcoming CIFIT. 

Second, CIFIT organizers will host matchmaking symposia for selected key industries, including alternative energy, real estate, cultural creative industries, tourism, energy conservation and environmental protection, infrastructure, service trade, banking, transport, and logistics. Related exhibitions, negotiations and seminars will be held, and business professionals from these industries will be invited. The 14th CIFIT will provide an exhibition space of 60,000 square meters and 16 exhibition areas. The 2nd China International Real Estate Investment Fair and the 6th Straits Travel Fair will be staged during CIFIT. Henan Province will host a “Henan Day” event and showcase its investment projects in a 1,500-square-meter exhibition area. 

Third, up-to-date investment policies and information will be released. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will host more than ten high-level international forums and seminars under the 2nd World Investment Forum. China’s Ministry of Commerce and other related government departments will also hold forums and seminars on hot topics in the investment field. A large number of professional and high-profile institutions will host forum activities as well. Local governments across China and many foreign governments will host 50 seminars on investment policy and investment environment. UNCTAD and China’s Ministry of Commerce will release the latest investment and trade reports. 

Fourth, a vast range of events will be staged to promote trade ties across the Taiwan Straits, including the Taiwan Investment Projects Exhibition, the Taiwan Commodities Exhibition, the Cross-Straits Economic and Trade Cooperation and Development Forum, the Forum on the Development and Cooperation of Cities in the West Taiwan Straits Economic Zone, the 6th Straits Travel Fair, the 3rd Cross-Straits (Quanzhou) Agricultural Products Fair, and the Cross-Straits Friendship Gala, all of which will promote exchange and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.