The Xiamen International Expo Center. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Every fall, Xiamen appears on the itineraries of many government officials and business leaders both in China and around the world as it hosts the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) on Sept 8.

From Sept 8 to 11, the 26th CIFIT will be held at the Xiamen International Expo Center. The direct change brought by the fair's first-ever move to this new venue is a leapfrog expansion in exhibition scale — the area will increase from 120,000 square meters to 200,000 sq m, representing growth of over 60 percent and setting a record high in CIFIT's history.

Along its journey of growth, CIFIT has walked hand-in-hand with investors from around the world. Over the years, it has actively pursued the Global Development Initiative, kept its focus on financial capital and investment as a core direction, and expanded bilateral, multilateral, and international investment cooperation. 

In 2024, it became a signature event for "Invest in China".

Though still five months away, the 26th CIFIT has already drawn attention. Its international reach will be further strengthened. The International Investment Forum will hold special events with international organizations, and the second Future Investment Conference will continue to focus on global investment governance, building a broader cooperation network and enhancing the forum's global recognition and influence.

Financial empowerment takes center stage this year. A 24,000-sq-m financial zone will feature a 12,000-sq-m CIPS cross-border cooperation area. Thirty foreign financial institutions from 24 countries and regions will exhibit alongside 30 Chinese institutions, with multiple cross-border matchmaking events held.

Past editions of CIFIT attract a large number of visitors from around the globe. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Meanwhile, the level of investment specialization will continue to rise. Guangdong, as the guest province of this year's CIFIT, will have a 720-sq-m exhibition area and host its own investment promotion event. Regular activities will be held to improve government-business matchmaking and integrate exhibitions with negotiations. Supported by cloud computing, big data, and AI, the "Online CIFIT" platform will be upgraded to provide a more convenient smart conference system.

The pavilion of the United Kingdom, the guest country of honor last year. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

In addition to creating a comprehensive multi-dimensional transportation system to facilitate access to the exhibition halls for business visitors, 14 entrances connecting each hall will be opened — double the number from last year — allowing visitors to enter from more convenient locations.