Foreign participants of the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) have lauded the exhibition as an important platform to promote global business cooperation and cross cultural exchanges.
Business representatives from Georgia, Rwanda and Morocco have presented star products from their own countries at the 10th Colorful World exhibition, a sub event of CIFTIS that runs from Wednesday through Sunday at Shougang Park in Beijing, one of the main venues of the ongoing 2025 CIFTIS.
"We have a millennia-long, unbroken history and tradition of winemaking, along with our own unique grape varieties. We also possess our own distinct winemaking techniques. Such exceptional products simply must be brought to China and introduced to Chinese consumers and our client partners. That is why we have participated in CIFTIS for seven consecutive years," said Levin, a business representative from Georgia.
At the Rwanda Embassy in China exhibition booth, representatives from various companies are showcasing Rwandan coffee, jewelry, and handicrafts.
"Our coffee is handpicked and hand-roasted, and all these, they make our coffee special compared to coffee from other places. So far, we are getting a positive feedback from the customers and people at this exhibition. So to me, it's a big platform. You can also see that there are many countries involved in this. I've seen many countries from my continent, from Africa," said Fonda, a Rwandan business representative.
At the exhibition booth of the Moroccan Embassy in China, exquisite Moroccan silverware and handmade products are on display. Minister Counsellor Moulay Zaine El Moussaoui, who is participating in the CIFTIS for the third time as a diplomat, said Morocco highly values this platform.
"So every year we make sure that we take part in this very important international activity to showcase Moroccan culture and heritage, and to contribute to the strengthening of good relations between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Morocco. We in Morocco, we believe that promoting cooperation with China, promoting cultural cooperation, promoting people-to-people connectivity, is of extreme importance. That's why we make sure every year to contribute to this very important exhibition. So for sure we will be here next year," said the diplomat.
The 2025 CIFTIS opened in Beijing on Wednesday with the theme "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services". The event runs for five days -- the first three days designated for professional visitors and the last two for public access.
Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has brought together enterprises from around the world to share opportunities stemming from China's opening up and development of trade in services.
CIFTIS promotes international business cooperation, cross cultural exchanges: foreign exhibitors
A member of the Political Bureau of Ansar Allah (the Houthi military group) on Thursday warned of an escalation in conflicts in the Middle East as Israel continued to carry out deadly strikes in Lebanon.
Talking to China Global Television Network (CGTN), Houthi political bureau member Ali Al-Dailami emphasized the group's support for other members of the Iran-led "Axis of Resistance," a regional coalition committed to countering Israel and includes militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
"Coordination within the 'Axis of Resistance' is ongoing, especially since we are talking about American and Zionist hegemony, and this axis is based on resisting imperialism and resisting the Zionist occupation, so it continues. This coordination has already appeared in many moves, most recently what was announced by the military spokesperson Yahya Saree regarding joint operations between Iran, Hezbollah, and Yemen," said Al-Dailami.
"We are with the Islamic Republic of Iran, we are with the resistance, we are with Lebanon, we are with Palestine. This is a principled stance we cannot waver from, and it is also considered a red line. And this red line -- whoever tries to cross it, we will certainly confirm the other direction, which is the direction of the resistance: with Lebanon, with Palestine, with the Islamic Republic of Iran, with Iraq, and with all who resist American imperialism and Zionist occupation," said the official.
His remarks echoed the statement by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, who said on Thursday that military operations would escalate in the coming period, warning of potential "surprise actions" in line with developments on the ground.
In a televised speech broadcast by the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, al-Houthi indicated that the group's campaign would enter a new phase marked by intensified activity and evolving tactics.
The Houthi leader highlighted his group's military role within what he described as coordinated regional efforts, stating that the Yemeni front had contributed to "joint operations with the Axis of Resistance," including missile and drone strikes targeting Israel.
A two-week ceasefire was announced early Wednesday by the United States and Iran. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would comply with the truce but would continue military operations in Lebanon.
Prior to the ceasefire, the Houthis had launched missile and drone attacks against Israel starting on March 28 -- one month after the United States and Israel launched the current massive attacks on Iran -- in what they described as support for allied forces in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.
The group, which has controlled Sanaa and much of northern Yemen since late 2014, previously supported Iran during last year's 12-day conflict with the United States and Israel.
Houthi official warns of military escalation amid regional tensions
