International: The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will be held in Beijing next month. As a major national-level platform for China’s high-standard opening up, this year’s fair will focus on showcasing achievements and exploring cooperation in key areas of trade in services. More than 300 leading international companies will participate in the event.

Henning Kristoffersen, Counselor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in China and Head of Innovation Norway in China, recently told reporters that Norway, this year’s guest country of honor, will set up a 260-square-meter national pavilion at Shougang Park. The pavilion will showcase products and achievements in the maritime industry, marine and animal nutrition, agriculture, energy, healthcare and digital services.

For the first time, the fair will organize a series of “Overseas Service Promotion and Roadshow” activities, while an “Exhibition Area for Overseas Service Providers” will also be established for the first time. This will bring together more than 30 foreign service providers in fields such as law, accounting, advertising and human resources, enabling a wide range of overseas services to be provided at a single location.

Participating enterprises and organizations are optimistic about China’s vast potential for economic development and the important opportunities to strengthen cooperation. In the first half of this year, China’s total trade in services reached 3.77975 trillion yuan, up 8.3 percent year on year. Exports in areas such as personal cultural and entertainment services recorded significant growth, becoming an important driving force behind the expansion of trade in services. At CIFTIS in Beijing, the integration of culture, commerce, tourism and sports will be further deepened.

During the fair, two premium night-tour routes will be launched. Exhibitors will be able to enjoy the scenic views along the Yongding River, visit industrial heritage parks, and experience science-fiction projects and local delicacies.

Drawing on international trends and concepts, the convention and exhibition city is developing a garden-style international convention and exhibition center capable of hosting exhibitions, facilitating business negotiations, promoting cultural tourism and providing leisure and recreational opportunities. It is committed to creating an international exchange platform capable of hosting national-level events and facilitating cross-border economic and trade cooperation.

Smart technology is a major feature of the convention and exhibition city. The park has upgraded its smart exhibition management platform, operations and service center, as well as the AI-powered Shougang Park mini-program. The platform will provide one-click access to venue information, parking navigation, catering services and transportation connections. It will also conduct real-time heat analysis of passenger and vehicle flows within the park, providing exhibitors and visitors with one-stop smart services.

Source: Cai, Alim, Wang Haiman, China Media Group (CMG).