China Prepares to Host 2026 International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing

China will host the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing from September 9 to 13, marking the first major national-level comprehensive service trade event of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. According to the Ministry of Commerce, preparations are largely complete, with approximately 90 countries and international organizations setting up exhibitions or hosting events. More than 1,800 enterprises will participate offline, and over 90 entities plan to release new technological and institutional achievements during the fair.

The 2026 CIFTIS serves as a key platform for China to signal its continued commitment to high-standard opening up and the facilitation of cross-border service trade. By convening global service providers across technology, finance, and healthcare, the event offers international firms access to the Chinese market while providing domestic enterprises a venue to showcase export-oriented services.

China is set to open the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) on September 9 at Shougang Park in Beijing, marking the country's first major national comprehensive service trade exhibition of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The five-day event, running through September 13, will bring together international delegates, corporate leaders, and industry specialists to explore cross-border trade cooperation. At a State Council Information Office press briefing on August 28, Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong stated that preparations for the fair were largely complete. According to official disclosures, approximately 90 countries and international organizations have registered to set up exhibitions or host events. More than 1,800 enterprises are scheduled to participate on-site, with over 90 companies and institutions expected to debut new technological products, corporate solutions, and trade achievements. This year's fair is structured around three core functional priorities: expanding opening up, deepening cooperation, and leading innovation. For the first time, organizers have established a dedicated 'China Services' exhibition zone within the central thematic area. This pavilion is designed to highlight representative innovations and regional development cases from across the country, showcasing China's service sector capabilities. In addition to the physical exhibitions, CIFTIS will feature the Global Trade in Services Summit alongside nearly 100 specialized conferences, seminars, and networking sessions. Key institutional deliverables, including the official China Trade in Services Development Report, will be released during the summit to outline trade trends and regulatory developments. The fair will also house nine thematic exhibitions covering priority growth sectors such as technology, financial services, culture and tourism, and healthcare. Organizers highlighted that these specialized sections aim to facilitate concrete business negotiations, technology licensing, and commercial contracting between domestic and foreign service providers.