Guangxi readying for upcoming CIFTIS

The Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is finalizing its preparations to showcase its digital trade innovations and strengthen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ahead of the upcoming 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing.

Li Shuo, deputy director of Guangxi's department of commerce, highlighted the profound significance of the region's participation. This is a testament to its strategic position at the forefront of China-ASEAN cooperation and its role in serving the country's new development paradigm.

To ensure a robust presence, Guangxi has established a highly coordinated organizational system, mobilizing a delegation that comprises all 14 of its prefectural-level cities, 10 government departments, and 60 key enterprises in service and digital trade — altogether involving over 200 participants.

The region's extensive preparations align seamlessly with the expanding scale of 2026 CIFTIS, scheduled to be held from Sept 9 to 13 in Beijing. Demonstrating a continuously rising level of international engagement, nearly 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry-leading enterprises have confirmed their on-site participation at the event.

Guangxi's upgraded comprehensive pavilion is designed as a premier window for China-ASEAN digital trade cooperation. Themed around utilizing digital intelligence to link with ASEAN, the fully immersive space features a five-part layout, including a national-level platform data wall, an artificial intelligence application scenario zone and a cross-border digital services area.

The exhibition will promote Guangxi's AI development and its application in ASEAN markets, alongside regional specialties such as cross-border logistics, traditional Chinese medicine wellness and cultural exports, aiming to present complex data and technologies through tangible, real-world scenarios that drive localized cooperation, Li said.

To further support such international outreach and the commercialization of achievements, 2026 CIFTIS will debut a "going global services promotion roadshow area".

Centered on open cooperation and new quality productive forces, this innovative section will feature professional institutions related to finance, law, accounting, intellectual property, advertising and human resources.

With more than 40 roadshow activities already scheduled, the area aims to conduct promotional pitches and information sharing, providing enterprises with one-stop services geared to help them expand overseas.

Leveraging this broad international platform, Li said Guangxi will co-host a major promotion conference with Beijing and Hainan province on the afternoon of Sept 9.

Supported by ASEAN embassies and international organizations, the event will focus on building a new ecosystem for digital trade cooperation. The conference will feature the release of research findings, new product launches, project signings and the joint launch of a new highland for open cooperation.

Furthermore, Guangxi will host four specialized matchmaking events to unleash the potential of its characteristic industries. Li said that on Sept 10, the port city of Fangchenggang will host an international medical product exhibition, while a national new tea beverage industry conference will be co-hosted by China Daily and the Guangxi Broadcasting and Television Network. Later that day, Nanning will lead a digital services export matchmaking session. Throughout the fair, a cultural and tourism exhibition will also be set up.

Li said preparations have entered the final sprint stage. By utilizing the CIFTIS platform, Guangxi aims to present a fresh image of high-standard opening-up and contribute to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future through practical economic and trade cooperation.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn