CIFIT expected to better promote two-way investments

The China International Fair for Investment and Trade is expected to be built into a landmark event under the "Invest in China" initiative and a key public platform to promote two-way investment, said a senior Chinese investment promotion official.

Scheduled to take place Sept 8-11 in the coastal city of Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, CIFIT plays an increasingly vital role in guiding global capital flows, stabilizing industrial and supply chains, and advancing international industrial investment cooperation, the official added.

Yu Guangsheng, deputy director general of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce, made the remarks about the 26th session of CIFIT at the Guangzhou Promotion Symposium in Guangzhou, the capital city of South China's Guangdong province, on Thursday.

More than 200 government officials, business executives and consular officers participated in the symposium.

Upholding the core tenet of expanding two-way investment and jointly boosting global development, CIFIT will advance integrated planning, mutual reinforcement and coordinated development for foreign investment attraction and outbound investment, building a cooperation bridge for global investors featuring connectivity and win-win results, he said.

"A series of events, including policy releases, seminars and investment matchmaking, will be organized to help boost investment in China and investment cooperation during the fair," Yu said.

"Centering on the needs of the guest country of honor, guest province of honor, major participating countries and key financial institutions, CIFIT will organize investment promotion activities and publicize the strengths of policies to create more opportunities for investors and investees," Yu said.

It also offers participants the opportunity to showcase strengths and gain insights into the Chinese market, he added.

Marko Tiesmaki, minister counselor at the embassy of Finland in China, said China and Finland share a strong and long-standing partnership in economic, trade and investment relations.

Around 250 Finnish companies are currently operating in China, with a combined annual turnover of approximately 15 billion euros ($17.4 billion), said Tiesmaki.

Over the decades, these companies have invested tens of billions of euros in China, contributing significantly to the country's development across numerous sectors, he said.

As the guest country of honor at CIFIT 2026, Finland's vision is centered on smart and sustainable solutions.

"We see CIFIT as a key platform not only to strengthen investment and trade, but also to deepen policy dialogue, industrial collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges," Tiesmaki said.

A key highlight of Finland's participation will be a comprehensive series of thematic business matchmaking events.

"These events will focus on priority sectors such as the circular economy, energy transition, clean technologies, digital solutions, advanced manufacturing and health and wellness," Tiesmaki added. "Through carefully designed matchmaking formats, we will bring together enterprises, trade partners, investors, and institutions from both countries, fostering concrete cooperation and project development."

Chen Min, an official from the Xiamen bureau of commerce, said the 26th session of CIFIT will be held at Xiamen International Expo Center, with a total exhibition area of more than 200,000 square meters.

"Leveraging the new venue and expanded space, we will elevate event standards to match top-tier exhibitions at home and abroad," Chen said.

"Meanwhile, we will deliver round-the-clock, refined and professional services to steadily enhance participants' experience and sense of gain," Chen said.

CIFIT was first held in Xiamen in 1997. It attracts investors and business representatives from more than 100 nations and regions, and has become a major investment event in the country.