This photo taken on Sept 8, 2025 shows a scene at the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen.  [Photo by Lin Yuyang for swj.xm.gov.cn]

The 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) opened in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, on Sept 8, marking a significant milestone in the global investment landscape. 

Founded in 1987 as the regional foreign investment and trade fair in Fujian province, CIFIT has grown into one of the world's most influential investment platforms. After being upgraded to a national-level event in 1997, it has become a vital window for China's opening-up and a hub for two-way investment promotion.

Over the past 24 editions, CIFIT's exhibition area has expanded more than fourfold, from 28,000 square meters to 120,000. The event has facilitated the signing of over 30,000 projects, channeling more than $400 billion into China. The last edition alone saw 688 projects reach cooperation agreements, with a total investment value of 488.92 billion yuan ($68.4 billion).

Amid a global environment fraught with uncertainties, this year's fair, focusing on the permanent theme of "Further expanding bilateral investment, jointly facilitating global development," underscores the shared aspiration for open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial international investment cooperation. 

It focuses on three main areas: "Invest in China", "Chinese Investment", and "International Investment", signaling China's commitment to high-level opening-up and injecting momentum into global development.

Nearly 100 multinational corporations from sectors including energy, chemicals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and intelligent manufacturing have sent senior executives to the fair. Sovereign wealth funds and international financial institutions are also present, with more than 70 financial institutions and listed firms participating in the dedicated Financial Capital Zone.

More than 30 matchmaking sessions are scheduled. Exhibitions spotlight frontier industries such as smart robotics, low-altitude aviation, and specialized enterprise cooperation. The "Cloud CIFIT" platform has also been upgraded to expand hybrid engagement.

The "Chinese Investment" section features three specialized zones: overseas investment cooperation, comprehensive overseas services, and Silk Road Maritime, showcasing Chinese enterprises' global investment achievements. For the first time, CIFIT is hosting a foreign investment-themed conference, releasing nine key public information products, including the debut of the China Outbound Investment Activity Index.

CIFIT's international appeal is stronger than ever, attracting delegations from over 120 countries and regions along with 11 international organizations. Fifty-one countries and regions have set up exhibitions. Approximately 90 countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative are expected to participate in the event.

As the guest country of honor, the United Kingdom is sending a delegation of over 260 representatives from government, business, and associations to participate in a series of investment-themed activities.

Partnering with China means embracing opportunities. The CIFIT once again provides opportunities for investment cooperation and mutual benefit.