On September 10, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services.
Xi pointed out that the current global economic landscape is undergoing profound changes, with both challenges and opportunities for worldwide development. China will steadfastly expand high-level opening up, actively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, accelerate pilot programs in platforms such as free trade pilot zones and national demonstration zones for innovative development of trade in services, orderly advance the opening of service markets, and promote high-quality development of trade in services. China is willing to work with all parties to jointly advance global cooperation in opening up and innovation in trade in services, build an open world economy, and continuously inject new momentum into building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services opened in Beijing on the same day, with the theme “Digital Intelligence Leads the Way, Trade in Services Renews,” co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality.
China International Fair for Trade in Services
The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is a major annual state-level fair held in Beijing, established in 2012 to promote the global trade in services. It serves as a key platform for international exchange and cooperation, showcasing sectors like finance, telecommunications, and cultural services. The fair reflects China’s growing focus on its service industry as a driver for economic growth.
free trade pilot zones
Free Trade Pilot Zones are special economic areas established by the Chinese government to test new policies for trade and investment liberalization. They were first launched in Shanghai in 2013 and have since expanded to over 20 locations. Their primary purpose is to experiment with market reforms, such as easing foreign investment restrictions and streamlining customs procedures, before potentially implementing them nationwide.
national demonstration zones for innovative development of trade in services
The National Demonstration Zones for Innovative Development of Trade in Services are special economic zones established by the Chinese government to pilot reforms and open up the country’s service sector. First launched in 2015, these zones serve as testing grounds for new policies, regulatory models, and international cooperation in areas like finance, technology, and cultural services. Their history reflects China’s strategic shift towards a more advanced, service-driven economy and its integration into global trade frameworks.
