The 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade is now in full swing in Xiamen. As one of the most influential international investment events globally, this year's fair has not only built an efficient bridge for global capital matchmaking, but also achieved multiple innovative breakthroughs in exhibition services and visitor experiences. From the vibrant atmosphere of on-site exchanges to the newly established departure tax refund zone, the fair is showcasing its unique charm to the world, demonstrating China's firm commitment and boundless vitality in pursuing high-standard opening-up.
At the venue, a growing enthusiasm for investing in China is palpable. Remarks made by Ling Ji, Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy International Trade Representative, resonated strongly with guests on-site. Amid the current complex and volatile global economic landscape, China remains a hotbed for global capital, leveraging its advantages of a super-scale market, a complete industrial system, and a continuously optimized business environment. Since its inception, the fair has been dedicated to promoting two-way investment and has become a global investment barometer. Focusing on global investment hotspots, this year's event has provided enterprises from various countries with an excellent opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the Chinese market and seek partners through a series of high-level forums and project matchmaking sessions. The constant stream of Chinese and foreign business visitors and the fully booked meeting areas fully attest to the international business community's firm confidence in the Chinese market.
As the fair's events progress, many foreign guests who have concluded their itineraries and are preparing to return home are leaving with a wealth of takeaways. Their suitcases are packed with "memories of Xiamen" to share with family and friends. These items, transported across oceans, include electronic products that represent China's technological innovation capabilities, dragon-shaped souvenirs imbued with fine traditional Chinese culture, as well as highly localized pastries and mellow tea leaves. These carefully selected gifts serve as vivid carriers of Chinese manufacturing and cultural charm, and also bear witness to the fair's unique role as a window for international cultural exchange. By taking these beautiful "memories of Xiamen" back to all corners of the globe, the foreign guests are, in effect, becoming ambassadors spreading the story of China and the fruits of international cooperation.
To further enhance its international service standards, the fair has set up a departure tax refund zone for the first time, greatly facilitating the shopping experience for overseas visitors. In Hall 8 of the Xiamen International Expo Center, within the CIFIT Premium Shopping Zone, the brand-new departure tax refund zone has drawn considerable attention, with overseas visitors frequently stopping by to inquire about the processing procedures. This innovative initiative has bridged the "last mile" of exhibition consumption, allowing overseas visitors to shop for their favorite products with greater ease and peace of mind. The departure tax refund policy is an internationally recognized and effective means of boosting tourism and shopping consumption. Its introduction to the fair venue is a significant step in aligning MICE services with international standards. It not only helps unleash the consumption potential of overseas visitors but also serves as a crucial measure for Xiamen to build itself into an international MICE hub and enhance its international soft power.
Beyond the dedicated zones within the exhibition halls, the fair has also actively expanded consumption scenarios to promote MICE-city integration. The event has partnered with The MixC Xiamen as a designated commercial district, where multiple stores are qualified for departure tax refunds. Meanwhile, to facilitate travel for overseas visitors, the fair has launched a complimentary dedicated shuttle bus service, seamlessly connecting the exhibition venue with the core commercial district. This thoughtful and convenient combination of services has not only enhanced the overall appeal of the fair but also effectively stimulated local consumption, showcasing Xiamen's reception capabilities and the warmth of its hospitality as an international city.
The vibrant hosting of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade is not only a grand feast of economic and trade exchanges but also a vivid practice of showcasing China's open posture and optimizing its business environment. From the release of policy dividends to the refinement of service details, the fair is continuously generating new vitality and vigor, making an important contribution to promoting global investment cooperation and building an open world economy.