Starting this year, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will feature a fixed schedule and venue, with a focus on showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as AI and humanoid robots, as announced during Thursday’s press conference in Beijing.
The 2025 CIFTIS will be held from Sept 10 to 14 at the Shougang Park in Beijing. This year's fair will highlight the latest trends in service trade development and will hold a global service trade summit, exhibitions, forums, business negotiations, achievements releases, among other supporting activities.
"In order to further stabilize the expectations of exhibitors and visitors, starting from this session, the CIFTIS will be held annually on the Wednesday of the second week of September, lasting for five days. The venue will also be permanently fixed at the Shougang Park," said Yin Liang, deputy director of the Beijing International Trade in Services Affairs Center.
Australia, as the guest of honor, will form the largest service trade delegation since the launch of CIFTIS.
Over 30 countries and international organizations, including Norway, Japan, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, have expressed their intention to set up exhibitions and hold events. Among them, Canada will participate for the first time by setting up an online exhibition under its government's name.
"In terms of thematic exhibitions, this year's CIFTIS will continue the nine major themes from previous years while aligning with the development trends of service trade. The focus will be on showcasing solutions in the service trade sector, highlighting technologies and applications such as AI and humanoid robots, and promoting Chinese service products and brands," said Yin.
Beijing's CIFTIS unveils schedule, venue for future editions
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
