The 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) concluded in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on September 11 with unprecedented global participation. Drawing over 100,000 business representatives, the event hosted more than 1,200 government and corporate delegations from 129 countries and regions, alongside 30 international organizations. According to the organizing committee, both the number of participating nations and delegation groups hit all-time highs.

The 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade was held in Xiamen. (Photo: Tang Guangfeng)

Relocating to the Xiamen International Expo Center for the first time, this year's fair expanded its footprint from 120,000 to 200,000 square meters. Anchored by its permanent theme—"Expanding Two-Way Investment, Jointly Facilitating Global Development"—the event structured its exhibitions, forums, and matchmaking sessions around three core pillars: "Invest in China," "China's Outbound Investment" and

"International Investment". In a notable first, the fair introduced a "dual guest country and province of honor" format, spotlighting Finland and Saudi Arabia as the guest nations.

Bilateral investment remained the focal point, driving 46 thematic events and 52 project roadshows. The financial sector took center stage as its exhibition area swelled to 25,000 square meters to accommodate 140 institutions. A dedicated Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) zone debuted alongside 74 globally and regionally significant banks spanning 46 countries across six continents. To foster industrial synergy along the Belt and Road and within key regions, the fair leveraged platforms like the China-Indonesia "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative and RCEP frameworks. Demonstrating this expansive reach, the "Silk Road Maritime" network—which launched its first named route in 2018—now connects 153 ports across 50 countries and regions. Meanwhile, the zone dedicated to cross-Strait integrated development doubled in size, drawing 18 Taiwanese enterprises and four national-level cross-Strait industrial parks.

Future-oriented industries dominated the agenda. Operating under the banner of "Global Investment in a Changing World," the 2026 Future Investment Conference facilitated deep dives into artificial intelligence, life sciences, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Dedicated pavilions highlighted "new quality productive forces" and international cooperation among specialized, high-end SMEs. These spaces showcased breakthroughs in robotics, smart manufacturing, and industrial AI models, alongside the latest green and low-carbon technologies. The shift toward these sectors is accelerating; according to Ouyang Yongfu, head of the UNCTAD Sustainable Investment Council, strategic industries such as AI infrastructure, semiconductors, critical minerals, and the energy transition now account for 44% of global greenfield investment by value in 2025, surging from just 16% in 2020.

Digital and smart technologies seamlessly powered both the exhibitions and networking efforts. The "Cloud CIFIT" platform hosted 968 virtual booths, pitching over 4,700 projects that generated upwards of 19,000 online matches. On the ground, the "Foreseeing the Future" capital matchmaking pavilion introduced a "Project Supermarket," curating 130 premium opportunities that led to over 1,300 one-on-one negotiations. The event also served as a launchpad for 28 authoritative reports, including the China Bilateral Investment Report 2026 and the Statistical Bulletin of FDI in China 2026.