The logo of the China International Fair for Investment and Trade Photo: VCG

The 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) is set to take place from September 8 to 11 in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday. Dubbed as a flagship "Invest in China" event, the fair aims to promote international cooperation along industrial and supply chains, while further attracting foreign investment to the world's second-largest economy. 

Under the theme "Join Hands with China, Invest in the Future," the fair will cover about 120,000 square meters, hosting more than 70 investment-focused events and more than 100 specialized road shows. Delegations from more than 110 countries and regions, as well as international organizations, have registered to attend, while 51 countries and regions will set up exhibition booths, according to a press conference held by the MOFCOM on Tuesday.

The UK will serve as the guest country of honor this year, sending a delegation of nearly 200 representatives from government, enterprises, associations and others, with a series of events planned for exchanges, according to the ministry.

Ling Ji, Chinese vice minister of commerce, noted that global economic growth still lacks momentum, with rising trade barriers and slowing cross-border investment. Against this backdrop, nearly 100 executives from multinational companies and heads of international investment institutions are eager to attend the fair, which shows that China still has huge potential for attracting investment, Ling said at the press conference. 

"China's super-large market, complete and efficient supply chains, and the abundant application scenarios arising from a new wave of technological and industrial transformation form a comprehensive advantage, vividly illustrating that 'investing in China is investing in the future'," Ling said. 

MOFCOM data showed that nearly 100 executives from multinational companies in energy, chemicals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and intelligent manufacturing, as well as leaders of sovereign wealth funds and international investment institutions, have confirmed their attendance. More than 100 "hidden champion" companies from Europe and Asia will also participate.

Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that these sectors are key drivers of economic growth, reflecting the fair's alignment with the broader trajectory of China's economic development. 

Bai told the Global Times that China has not only expanded market access for foreign businesses, but has also taken a slew of measures to support their development in the Chinese market.

Since 2024, the MOFCOM has organized more than 40 roundtable meetings for foreign-funded enterprises in China, addressing more than 1,500 issues raised by foreign-funded enterprises, said Ling.