Xiamen Mayor Liu Keqing rolled out red carpets for traders and investors from around the world.

Liu said the city has world-class infrastructure and services for conferences and exhibitions, and it has improved itself in a number of aspects, such as security and food safety.

"We will try our best to satisfy every participating trader with safe, convenient and efficient services," the mayor said.

The recently completed third phase of the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, covering a total floor space of 90,000 square meters, will be used as a venue for this year's China International Fair for Investment and Trade.

New highways, a high-speed railroad system and a number of new luxury hotels will also provide convenience and comfort.

With a history of 15 years, the CIFIT has become one of the most influential events of global investment and trade.

Last year, the fair attracted 55,000 Chinese traders, investors and exhibitors in addition to 15,000 from 112 countries and regions overseas.

There were also more than 430 government officials, scholars and executives from international organizations.

A total of $21.4 billion in contracts were signed that year, bringing in overseas investments worth $17.4 billion.

zhangzhao@chinadaily.com.cn

(HK Edition 09/08/2012 page7)