The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is held at Beijing Shougang Park from September 9 to 13, drawing exhibitors from 90 countries, regions and international organizations, alongside over 1,800 offline corporate participants.

A flagship showcase of China's high-level opening-up, the fair lets the world observe innovations in China's services sector and share its development gains.

China's trade in services keeps expanding and upgrading. In the first half of this year, the total value of China's services imports and exports reached nearly 3.8 trillion yuan (about $570 billion), up 8.3% year on year. Services exports exceeded 1.5 trillion yuan, rising 17.6%. Knowledge-intensive services trade hit 1.66 trillion yuan, or 44% of the total services trade volume, showing a shift to higher-value segments.

"Services consumption and trade have become a vital pillar for bolstering economic growth," said Li Jun, director of the Institute of International Trade in Services under the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

China's enormous market offers global firms broad cooperation opportunities. In 2025, its services imports surpassed $620 billion, making it the world's second-largest services import market.

"An open Chinese economy can support global growth through trade, investment, tourism, digital services, professional services, technology and innovation," said Simphiwe Madikizela, professor of Economics at the University of South Africa.