Foreign participants speak highly of 2024 CIFTIS

By Huang Fang, Wu Jiaju

The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," is being held at the China National Convention Center and the Shougang Park in Beijing from September 12 to 16, featuring participation from over 80 countries and international organizations.

What impressions does the 2024 CIFTIS leave on participants? And what are the event's highlights that have won widespread praise from them?

Kazakh minister: service trade becomes a key driver of global economy

Arman Shakkaliyev, Kazakhstan's minister of Trade and Integration, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the national pavilion of Kazakhstan at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, on Sep. 12, 2024. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

"Kazakhstan places great importance on opportunities to discuss service trade, as it is becoming one of the key drivers of the global economy," said Arman Shakkaliyev, Kazakhstan's minister of Trade and Integration.

He highlighted the broad scope of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China, where services play a special role.

"Both countries have achieved significant success in sectors such as transportation, logistics, information technology, education, healthcare, and tourism," Shakkaliyev noted, adding that transportation and logistics have become the foundation for success of many other industries.

He also emphasized the potential for growth and cooperation in digital services and artificial intelligence. "We are keen to exchange experiences with China and are ready to collaborate on various initiatives and projects."

Additionally, Shakkaliyev also expressed interest in the education and tourism sectors, noting their role in strengthening multinational culture exchanges.

Italian governor: Western people should experience China's development firsthand

Dott. Maurizio Rasero, the governor of Province Asti, Italy, talks to China News Network at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, on Sep. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Network / Wu Jiaju)

"I hope to have enough time to attend all the forums at CIFTIS," said Dott. Maurizio Rasero, the governor of Province Asti, Italy.

After attending the conference organized by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), a key forum at the 2024 CIFTIS, Rasero remarked that the conference’s mission aligns closely with Asti Province’s plans for cultural and tourism development.

Having visited nearly 30 cities in China, Rasero emphasized the unique culture of each one and expressed admiration for the diligence and indomitable spirit of the Chinese people.

"I hope that more Western politicians and citizens will come to China and experience its development firsthand," Rasero added.

Zimbabwean diplomat: China's development is astounding

Thuresi Ndarama, a Third Secretary at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Beijing, gives an interview with China News Network at the Shougang Park in Beijing, on Sep. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Network / Huang Fang)

"China is an amazing country with amazing people who are very friendly!" said Thuresi Ndarama, a Third Secretary at Zimbabwe's Embassy.

At the Belt and Road Initiative cultural showcase in Shougang Park, the Zimbabwe Embassy’s pavilion featured an array of animal-shaped handicrafts.

"This is a colorful world, and it is nice to meet so many people at CIFTIS," said Ndarama, expressing her hope for more Chinese people to visit Zimbabwe to further economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Slovak diplomat: shared prosperity fosters understanding and cooperation

Tomas Kudlacak, a Third Secretary at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Beijing, talks to China News Network at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, on Sep. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Network / Huang Fang)

Commenting on CIFTIS' theme, Tomas Kudlacak, a Third Secretary at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Beijing, emphasized that despite the cultural differences, efforts to understand each other help overcome obstacles.

"When you want to communicate, you just do what you can. If somebody wants to understand, then he will understand," he said.

Kudlacak highlighted efforts to promote cultural exchanges between the people of Slovakia and China, noting that it was an honor to experience diverse cultures while working at the embassy.

International exhibitors praise CIFTIS as an excellent exchange platform

Rwandan exhibitor Mutijima Emma participates in an interview with China News Network at the Shougang Park in Beijing, on Sep. 12, 2024. (Photo: China News Network / Huang Fang)

"CIFTIS is the world's largest comprehensive fair and a good platform for exchanging experience and business ideas, showcasing our country’s goods, and facilitating cultural exchanges," said the Yemeni exhibitor Al-Hababi Rashad Ali Hussein at the Yemen Embassy’s pavilion in Shougang Park.

Thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, Yemeni economy is progressing steadily, and cultural exchanges between Yemen and China are increasing, further deepening bilateral relations, he noted.

Rwandan exhibitor Mutijima Emma, who has lived in China for seven years, remarked on the country's rapid development.

"China is a country that has been developing so fast. I think a group of countries should learn from China and cooperate with China," Emma said.