China's Service Trade Fair Showcases Digital Innovation and Sports Boom

2025-09-15 09:25:04

The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) wrapped up in Beijing's Shougang Park with over 900 deals across construction, IT, finance, and sports services, highlighting China's expanding role in global service trade. Participants from more than 60 countries and 20 international organizations attended, unveiling 198 innovations, including 109 new products spanning AI, fintech, healthcare, green tech, precision medicine, and photonic quantum computers.

Zhu Guangyao from the Ministry of Commerce emphasized CIFTIS' role in translating cooperation into tangible results. Australia, the guest country of honor, secured 15 partnership intentions in finance and education, while the digital matchmaking platform hosted 8,500 business meetings. Overall, the event drew 250,000 onsite visitors and 5,600 virtual exhibitors, with international presence from 26 of the top 30 global services markets.

Sports Services: A New Growth Engine

Interactive demonstrations—from virtual F1 racing to AI-assisted boxing and tennis—revealed China's booming sports market. Ricky Kuo, CEO of a Malaysia-China esports venture, highlighted plans for a national racing competition and esports-themed stores, citing the scale of China's 1.4 billion-strong market.

Chinese billiards brand Duya expanded its “Golden Nine Tour” to 60+ countries, while France's Hurricane Group announced 100 urban sports venues, a national championship, and a 100-hectare action sports resort. Sports trade grew steadily in 2024, with imports up 30.8% and exports 43.5%, and government policies aim to scale the industry to 7 trillion yuan (986 billion USD) by 2030. Events like Jiangsu's Su Super League also boosted tourism, dining, and hospitality, showing sports' broader economic impact.

From Steel Mill to Global Stage

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Shougang Park, a former steel mill and 2022 Winter Olympics venue, now hosts international fairs and business tours, blending urban revival with investment opportunities. For global investors and service providers, CIFTIS 2025 offered a window into China's evolving service economy—where digital innovation and experiential sectors like sports are driving growth and cross-border collaboration.