China Signals Deeper Market Access at Investment Fair in Xiamen

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng reiterated Beijing's commitment to high-standard opening up during the opening of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, Fujian province. Addressing foreign dignitaries and business executives, Han noted that China has eliminated all foreign investment restrictions in the manufacturing sector, enacted zero-tariff policies for 63 nations, and is pursuing the orderly opening of services like telecommunications and healthcare. He urged foreign companies to invest in China's ultra-large domestic market and participate in the development of new productive forces amid rising geopolitical headwinds.

As global geopolitical tensions simmer and protectionist trade measures increase, CIFIT serves as a primary official platform for China to stabilize foreign investor sentiment and signal its willingness to expand bilateral investment flows.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng reaffirmed Beijing's intent to broaden market access for foreign capital during an address at the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, Fujian province, state media reported. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Han emphasized that China remains committed to expanding high-standard opening up and advancing trade and investment liberalization, referencing policy directives from President Xi Jinping. While acknowledging increased volatility, instability, and geopolitical uncertainty across the global economy, Han argued that the broader historical trend toward international cooperation remains unchanged. Han put forward three proposals for international economic engagement. First, he highlighted Beijing's steps to widen market access, pointing out that China has implemented zero-tariff treatment for 63 nations and eliminated all remaining foreign investment restrictions on the negative list for the manufacturing sector. He also noted that China is carrying out an orderly opening of services sectors, including telecommunications and healthcare, pledging further practical measures to facilitate inbound investment. Second, Han called for accelerating innovation-driven growth, urging international partners to collaborate on industrial and technological innovation while maintaining an open global ecosystem. Third, he emphasized the need to preserve stable, unimpeded, and inclusive global industrial and supply chains, warning against the impact of rising protectionism and geopolitical disruptions. The opening event was attended by international leaders and ministers, including acting Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Moreno, Saudi Assistant Minister of Investment Mubarak, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Mesarovic, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Pulev. Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Puisto delivered a congratulatory letter from Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. Prior to the opening, Han toured exhibition pavilions, visiting areas dedicated to Saudi Arabia and Finland, which served as the fair's guest countries of honor, as well as zones focused on domestic provinces, finance, and outward Chinese investment. A day earlier, Han also met with representatives of multinational corporations and foreign business chambers, urging overseas enterprises to capitalize on China's massive consumer base and its ongoing transition toward high-tech, high-efficiency development.