In recent years, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) continues to see its influence grow, expanding its global reach. A reporter from Yangcheng Evening News interviewed several foreign representatives at the event. They highlighted China's openness and friendliness, emphasizing the country's vast economic potential as a major opportunity for global businesses. Through the platform provided by CIFTIS, these representatives hope to establish closer ties with the Chinese market and explore new business opportunities.

"If China's economy develops positively, the world economy will follow suit," said Paulo Jorge Nascimento, Portugal's ambassador to China. This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal. For Portugal, participating in the event was not only a way to commemorate this milestone but also to seize the market potential of CIFTIS.

"We see CIFTIS as an excellent opportunity to build strong connections with Chinese institutions and investors," Nascimento remarked. "At this year's fair, we are focusing on showcasing our automotive, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors. China's market is not only vast in size but also full of economic vitality, which is crucial for countries around the world."

The thriving Chinese services market has attracted many international companies seeking to collaborate. Data shows that in the first half of this year, China imported services worth 2.1 trillion yuan, an increase of 16.4% year-on-year, outpacing the growth of service exports during the same period.

This year's CIFTIS features participation from 85 countries and international organizations, with national governments or headquarters hosting exhibitions or events. Thirteen countries, including France, Portugal, and Nigeria, have independently set up offline exhibits for the first time, further enhancing the event's international appeal.

"This is our first time setting up a pavilion at CIFTIS," said Munteha Jemal, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Ethiopian Embassy in China. "China's continued commitment to high-level opening-up has provided us with a great platform for showcasing and exchanging ideas."

Interestingly, when the reporter mentioned being from Guangdong, Jemal smiled and replied, "My last visit to Guangdong was for the Canton Fair. The Canton Fair and CIFTIS each have their unique focus. At the Canton Fair, we prioritize physical goods like food and beverages, while CIFTIS centers on service trade. At this event, we're promoting not only our coffee but also Ethiopia's tourism resources, hoping to attract more Chinese tourists."

In the UAE pavilion, an exhibitor enthusiastically introduced her offerings, including dates and local specialty chocolates. "I want to participate in every event China hosts," she said with excitement."Our company specializes in date-based products, like date honey. We've had long-standing trade relations with China, and this year marks the 40th anniversary of  China-UAE diplomatic relations. We hope to use the CIFTIS platform to connect with more Chinese companies, promote our products, and help Chinese consumers better understand the cultural significance of dates in our country."

CIFTIS, now in its tenth edition, has established itself as a key platform for global trade in services. With more countries and enterprises joining the event, CIFTIS is emerging as a vital bridge for global commerce and cultural exchange, offering a broad platform for shared development opportunities and future collaborations.

“服贸会让我们和中国建立联系”！外国代表期待共享商机

近年来，中国国际服务贸易交易会（以下简称“服贸会”）影响力不断提升，“朋友圈”越来越大。羊城晚报记者现场采访了多名外国代表。他们提到，中国是一个开放、友好的国家，其庞大的经济潜力为全球企业提供了广泛的合作机会。通过服贸会这一平台，他们希望与中国市场建立更紧密的联系，探索更多的商业机会。

“如果中国经济良性发展，那么世界经济也会以同样的趋势发展。”葡萄牙驻华大使保罗·纳西门托提到，今年恰逢中葡建交45周年，选择参展不仅是为纪念这个特殊时刻，也是因为葡萄牙看中了服贸会的市场潜力。

“我们认为服贸会提供了一个极佳的机会。通过这个平台，我们可以与中国的相关机构和投资者建立紧密联系。”纳西门托表示，“此次参展，我们重点展示了汽车板块、可再生能源板块和先进制造业板块。中国市场不仅规模庞大，而且经济活力充足，这对全球其他国家而言都至关重要。”

蓬勃发展的中国服务业市场吸引了大量外企前来寻求合作机会。数据显示，今年上半年，中国服务进口2.1万亿元人民币，同比增长16.4%，高于同期服务出口的增幅。

本届服贸会上，共有85个国家和国际组织以国家政府或总部名义办展或办会，其中，法国、葡萄牙、尼日利亚等13个国家和国际组织首次独立线下设展。这也意味着展会的国际化程度得到了进一步提升。

“这是我们第一次在服贸会上设立展馆”，埃塞俄比亚驻华大使馆特命全权公使蒙泰哈·杰莫表示，“中国持续推进高水平开放，为我们提供了一个很好的展示和交流平台。”

有趣的是，当记者提到自己来自广东时，杰莫笑着回应：“我上次去广东是参加广交会。广交会和服贸会各有其独特之处，广交会我们更侧重于食品、饮料等实物商品，而服贸会则聚焦于服务贸易。此次参展我们不仅推广咖啡，也展示埃塞俄比亚的旅游资源，希望通过这种方式吸引更多的中国游客前来旅游。”

在阿联酋展馆，参展商丽姆热情地向记者介绍她带来的椰枣和当地特产巧克力。“中国举办的活动我都想参加。”她兴奋地说，“我们的公司专注于销售椰枣类产品，比如椰枣蜜就是其中之一。我们与中国的贸易往来已有很长时间，今年也是中国和阿联酋建交40周年。希望借助服贸会的平台，与更多的中国企业建立联系，推广我们的产品，同时让中国消费者更好地了解椰枣在我们文化中的重要地位。”

服贸会作为全球服务贸易的重要平台，至今已成功举办十届。随着越来越多的国家和企业加入这一盛会，服贸会日益成为全球商贸往来、文化交流的重要纽带，为各方共享发展机遇、携手开创未来提供了广阔平台。

文、图｜记者 詹淑真 付怡
翻译｜赵凡
英文审校｜邹晓华