The 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) commenced on Sunday in Xiamen, Fujian Province, attracting participants from 119 countries and regions, with approximately 80 percent representing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries. 

Spanning 120,000 square meters, this four-day event places a strong emphasis on the digital economy, new energy, and green innovation, offering a platform for over 80 investment events and roadshows.

Organized by Chinas Ministry of Commerce, CIFIT has evolved since its inception in 1997 into a pivotal forum for promoting investment and facilitating global development. 

This year's edition introduces the "Invest in China" brand, building upon the momentum of last year's “Year of Investment in China.” The initiative aims to further solidify China's appeal to global investors by innovating investment strategies, expanding channels, and enhancing services.

A centerpiece of this year's "Invest in China" initiative is the creation of a dedicated 13,000-square-meter matchmaking zone within the Capital Project Pavilion. This space is meticulously designed to connect investment projects with capital, particularly focusing on the financial sector. Key sections of the zone include “Financial Capital Matchmaking,” “Specialized and New Dialogue with Hidden Champions,” and “Select Economic Development Zones.” These sections aim to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among domestic and international financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and national-level economic development zones.

The financial capital matchmaking section has already attracted over 20 international financial institutions and more than 100 high-quality SMEs from countries such as the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, the US, and Singapore. This effort facilitates targeted investment discussions and aligns with global investment fair standards by offering multifunctional spaces like presentation stages, matchmaking areas, and negotiation corners. The participation of approximately 70 to 80 German Hidden Champion companies, invited through the German Hidden Champions Association, further underscores the global reach and ambition of the “Invest in China” brand.

Additionally, CIFIT will, for the first time, feature a streaming media center. This new initiative allows countries and regions unable to attend in person to present their investment environments, key industries, and project information through video promotions. These presentations will be showcased at designated times and locations throughout the event, ensuring broad engagement with global investors.

In conclusion, the “Invest in China” initiative at CIFIT exemplifies China's commitment to optimizing its business environment and expanding high-level opening-up. By creating a conducive platform for the convergence of global capital and projects, China continues to offer significant opportunities for international investors, reinforcing the belief that investing in China is an investment in the future.