The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is set to open in less than 100 days. On June 3, a gathering of the exhibition industry’s network took place at the second phase of the Beijing National Convention Center, hosting the 2026 CIFTIS Exhibition Ecosystem Partnership Exchange and the Capital Exhibition Group Venue Hotel Roadshow.

During the event, representatives from domestic and international sectors including exhibitions, cultural tourism, sports, and technology witnessed the signing of several strategic cooperation agreements, aimed at accelerating the global expansion of Beijing’s exhibition industry.

A key highlight was the formal signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Capital Exhibition Group and the Singapore Tourism Board. Under the agreement, both parties will engage in deep collaboration over the next three years in areas such as international exhibition project cooperation, exhibition promotion, industry information sharing, and exhibition talent and standards research. This signing is expected to inject new vitality into the global layout of Beijing’s exhibition industry.

The Capital Exhibition Group currently manages approximately 30 exhibition venues nationwide, covering a total area of nearly 8 million square meters, ranking first in China. The group plans to continue its digital and intelligent empowerment, focusing on four major sectors: big health, mass consumption, new energy, and high technology, while expanding its international presence.

Beijing’s exhibition industry has already explored global markets. The Capital Exhibition Group has led Beijing enterprises to participate in GITEX in Dubai and Singapore for two consecutive years, establishing a service model integrating exhibitions, conferences, and visits. The strategic cooperation with the Singapore Tourism Board will further deepen international exhibition project collaboration and information sharing within the Asia-Pacific region.

In July, the Capital Exhibition Group, in partnership with the French GL Events Group, will invite over ten international exhibition organizations and professional conference institutions to visit Beijing for discussions with government departments and domestic industry associations, aiming to bring more international conference projects to the city.

During the event, the Capital Exhibition Group also signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Beijing International Economic and Trade Development Association, Beijing Beiao Group, and Jikefenxiang Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Ji Xiang Imaging).

The cooperation with the Beijing International Economic and Trade Development Association will focus on brand events such as the “2026 Digital Trade Development Exchange,” aiming to create a global economic and trade platform. The partnership with Beijing Beiao Group will concentrate on major events like the “2026 World Short Course Swimming Championships” and the coordinated development of the Asian Games business district, supporting Beijing’s goal of becoming an international sports city. The collaboration with Ji Xiang Imaging aims to leverage AI imaging technology to enhance exhibition communication.

Data shows that China’s exhibition industry experienced a strong recovery in 2025, with a total of 10,233 domestic exhibitions. The industry is at a critical juncture for structural adjustment. In the face of new challenges, the exhibition sector needs to actively expand autonomous opening, align with international standards, and help promote Chinese exhibition brands globally.

Beijing National Convention Center

The Beijing National Convention Center, located in the Olympic Green, was originally built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, serving as the venue for fencing and shooting events, as well as the International Broadcast Centre. After the Games, it was repurposed into a major convention and exhibition complex, hosting significant events like the 2014 APEC summit and the 2022 Winter Olympics. Its modern architecture and strategic location have made it a key hub for international conferences and cultural activities in Beijing.

Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant city-state and island nation in Southeast Asia, known for its multicultural society and modern skyline. Originally a small fishing village, it was founded as a British trading post by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819, and later became a key colonial port. After a brief merger with Malaysia, Singapore gained independence in 1965 and rapidly transformed into a global financial hub and one of the world’s busiest ports.

Dubai

Dubai is a major city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, known for its futuristic skyline and luxury shopping. Historically a small fishing and pearl-diving village, it transformed rapidly after the discovery of oil in the 1960s, diversifying into a global hub for tourism, finance, and innovation. Today, it is famous for landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

France

France is a country in Western Europe known for its rich history, cultural influence, and iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. Its history includes the Roman conquest, the medieval feudal era, the French Revolution of 1789, and the rise of Napoleon, which shaped modern democratic ideals. Today, France is celebrated for its art, cuisine, fashion, and as a global center of philosophy and innovation.

Asia-Pacific

The “Asia-Pacific” is a vast and diverse region encompassing East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands. Its history is marked by ancient civilizations like those in China and India, colonial encounters from the 16th century onward, and significant 20th-century conflicts such as World War II and the Cold War. Today, it is a dynamic economic and cultural hub, with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia playing key roles in global trade and diplomacy.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city with a history spanning over 3,000 years, serving as the nation’s political and cultural center for centuries. It was the imperial seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties, home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it blends ancient heritage with modern development, hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics and serving as a global hub for diplomacy and innovation.

Asian Games business district

The Asian Games business district, located in Hangzhou, China, was developed primarily to support the 19th Asian Games in 2022 (postponed to 2023). This modern commercial hub features state-of-the-art sports venues, convention centers, and high-rise offices, symbolizing the city’s rapid urbanization and global ambitions. Its construction transformed the area into a vibrant economic zone, blending event legacy with long-term business and tourism growth.

China

China is a vast and ancient country in East Asia with a recorded history spanning over 3,500 years, home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. It is renowned for cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army, reflecting its imperial past and rich traditions. Today, China is a global economic power, blending its deep historical heritage with rapid modernization and diverse cultural practices.