Promotion symposia‌ for the 26th CIFIT is held in Hong Kong on July 8. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Promotion symposia‌ for the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) were held in Hong Kong on July 8 and Macao on July 9, drawing keen interest from business communities. The fair itself will take place in September at the Xiamen International Expo Center.

Hong Kong and Macao pavilions poised to shine

Hong Kong Pavilion at the 25th CIFIT. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Lee Shuk Ching, assistant director-general of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, said that Hong Kong serves as a launchpad for Xiamen enterprises looking to expand abroad, while Xiamen is an important window for Hong Kong companies seeking new opportunities.

This year, a Hong Kong Pavilion will be set up at the fair to showcase its competitive industries, such as finance and technological innovation, and to hold a series of "Fujian-Hong Kong Scientific and Technological Innovation Face to Face" events. A 180-square-meter Macao pavilion will also be set up, focusing on Macao's economic and trade advantages.

He Haiming, president of the Macao Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Industry Association, has a plan to organize leading MICE and tourism companies from Macao to participate in the fair. He believes that both Xiamen and Macao enterprises can benefit from the two-way investment opportunities offered by the platform.

Global resource convergence intensifies

Two robots wearing red vests dance in the New Quality Productive Forces Zone, drawing the attention of business representatives. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

The fair has significantly enhanced its international profile by deepening cooperation with UNCTAD and, for the first time, involving UNIDO in its preparations. Finland has been confirmed as the guest country of honor, while Saudi Arabia has expressed interest and is expected to become the second guest country of honor. 

Overseas groups such as the Hong Kong Xiamen Association have participated consistently for many years. Wu Zhaoyi, a member of the Election Committee of the Macao SAR, believes that the new platform and new framework mark a new peak in the fair's opening‑up and internationalization.

Global positioning, practical cooperation

Hong Kong and Macao are key gateways connecting the mainland with global capital, technology, and talent, as well as with the capital, technology, and resources of Portuguese-speaking countries. They also serve as important springboards for mainland enterprises expanding abroad. According to a responsible official from the fair's organizing committee, holding special promotions in these two cities leverages the close economic and trade ties between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao.