2026 CIFTIS Draws 223 Exhibitors, Adds WIPO as Co-Organizer

Organizers of the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) announced on May 20 that 223 enterprises and institutions have already expressed intent to participate in the event, scheduled for September 9–13 at the Shougang Convention Center in Beijing, as confirmed by exhibition industry platforms. The announcement, made at the Beijing National Convention Center, also revealed that the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has joined as a new co-organizer of the Global Service Trade Summit, according to CCTV News.

A Growing Platform for Global Services Trade

Since its inception in 2012, CIFTIS has grown from a domestic-focused trade fair into one of the world’s premier platforms for services trade. Over its history, the fair has cumulatively attracted nearly 200 countries and regions, with 1.47 million exhibitors and visitors participating in exhibitions and business negotiations. From 2025 onward, the event adopted a permanent “one fair, one venue” format at Shougang Park, a former industrial steel mill site transformed into a modern convention and exhibition center.

The 2026 edition will feature approximately 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, covering nine industry sectors including telecommunications, computer and information services, and financial services, as detailed on the CIFTIS official website.

International Participation and New Features

Norway will serve as the Guest of Honor Country for the 2026 fair, while China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will be the Guest of Honor Province. More than 40 countries and international organizations have already confirmed their participation in exhibitions and events.

For the first time, CIFTIS will feature a “Going Global Services Promotion and Roadshow Area” (出海服务推介路演区), designed to showcase Chinese service and technology export cases and achievements. This new addition reflects China’s strategic push to export its services capabilities, particularly in technology and digital services, as part of its broader “going global” strategy.

WIPO Joins as Summit Co-Organizer

A significant development for the 2026 edition is the addition of WIPO as a co-organizer of the Global Service Trade Summit, working alongside the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), China’s Ministry of Commerce, and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government. The move signals an increased focus on intellectual property protection in services trade, an increasingly important dimension as digital services and technology transfer continue to expand globally.

Forums, Events, and Business Activities

The fair’s series of forums will be organized around four major themes: Openness & Integration, Win-Win Cooperation, Digital & Innovation, and Green Development. Organizers have collected nearly 50 events, including the Service Trade Development Forum, the Capital International Medical Conference, and the Global Service Trade Entrepreneurs Summit.

In addition to the main forums, CIFTIS will host cultural, commercial, tourism, sports, and exhibition activities at Shougang Park’s特色 venues. Planned side events include the China International Candy Season and a community basketball tournament. Organizers are also preparing over 10 business tour routes and will continue to offer visa-on-arrival and visa extension services for international attendees.

International organizations and diplomatic missions are already engaging actively. Canada’s embassy in Beijing and WIPO have applied to host nearly 20成果洽谈推介 (achievement promotion and matchmaking) sessions, according to the announcement.

Economic Context and Significance

CIFTIS serves as a key barometer for China’s services trade openness. China’s service retail sales grew 5.6% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, outpacing goods retail sales growth, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The continued growth of the fair, despite global economic headwinds, signals Beijing’s commitment to services trade liberalization and high-quality development of its services sector.

Norway’s participation as Guest of Honor Country also highlights strengthening China-Europe economic relations in the services trade domain, while the new “Going Global” roadshow area underscores China’s ambition to become a major exporter of services and technology.

Looking Ahead

With 223 enterprises already committed months ahead of the September event, the 2026 CIFTIS is on track to build on the momentum of previous editions. The inclusion of WIPO, the debut of the “Going Global” promotion area, and strong international participation all point to a fair that continues to evolve as a vital platform for global services trade. Further details on participating enterprises and specific programming are expected in the lead-up to the September opening.