China to take multiple measures to attract more foreign companies, investment at upcoming int'l trade fair

Multiple measures will be taken to attract more foreign enterprises and foreign investment at the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), said an official with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce at a press conference on Monday.

With the themed "further expanding bilateral investment, jointly facilitating global development", the 24th CIFIT will be held from Sept. 8 to 11 in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province.

A series of measures will be rolled out to offer more pragmatic and effective investment promotion services for the participants both at home and abroad, said Liu Minqiang, director of the Investment Promotion Agency of the ministry.

The ministry has actively leveraged the channel advantages of its overseas institutions to selectively introduce high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide to participate at the CIFIT.

"We will bring together high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises from Europe, many of which are 'hidden champions' mainly in areas such as green and low-carbon development as well as technological innovation. These enterprises are optimistic about the development prospects of the Chinese market and hope to find cooperative partners through the CIFIT platform to explore the investment potential of the Chinese market. We will actively help these enterprises to precisely connect with domestic industrial parks, capital and enterprises so as to achieve more cooperation outcomes," said the official.

By focusing on the advancement of new quality productive forces, special exhibition zones will be established within the project-capital matchmaking pavilion, he said.

"These special areas will focus on emerging industries and green industries, as we will invite multiple leading enterprises, tech companies, and renowned research institutions to showcase their cutting-edge innovative achievements and technological products. We will also organize a series of project roadshows and matchmaking activities to provide a platform for technical exchanges and project collaboration among all attendees," said Liu.

In addition, more efforts will be made to innovate the forms of the events, said Liu, noting that the ministry is going to organize diverse investment promotion events to further highlight the international and professional nature of the activities and deliver better participation experiences for all.

At present, delegations from more than 90 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation at the 24th CIFIT.

The CIFIT takes place every September in Xiamen and promotes two-way trade and investment between China and the world.

China to take multiple measures to attract more foreign companies, investment at upcoming int'l trade fair

The 2024 China Film Festival in Brazil opened in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, with audiences treated to a selection of Chinese cinematic releases and new film-making cooperation agreements being signed.

The festival, co-hosted by the China Film Administration, the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, and the Consulate General of China in Rio de Janeiro, and organized by the China Film Archive, is supported by Brazil's Ministry of Culture.

A total of nine recently released Chinese films including the gritty crime thriller "Endless Journey", comedy-drama "YOLO", and action film "Ride On" starring Jackie Chan will be screened during the festival.

Mao Yu, executive deputy director general of the China Film Administration, delivered an address at the opening ceremony, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil.

He highlighted Brazil's role as the guest country at the Beijing International Film Festival back in April, where four outstanding Brazilian films were showcased to Chinese audiences during a Brazilian Film Week, offering a glimpse of Brazil's vibrant culture.

The crime film "Endless Journey" was screened following the opening ceremony. It tells the tale of a disbanded police team, who, after being imprisoned for an accidental death during an interrogation, reunite years later under their former leader to relentlessly pursue the remaining suspect in an unsolved murder case.

Director Dai Mo and lead actor Zhang Yi present to engage with the audience in a special Q and A session after the screening, and say they are amazed to receive such a warm reception.

"I never imagined that a film I performed in would be screened so far away in Latin America. We're thrilled to see how Brazilian audiences respond," said Zhang.

"Film is a fast bridge between cultures. We hope that through these screenings, Brazilians will gain a deeper understanding of China," said Dai.

The opening ceremony also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on film cooperation between the China Film Administration, China Film Archive, and Brazil's Ministry of Culture, aimed at broadening opportunities for filmmakers from both countries.

In recent years, China and Brazil have strengthened their film collaboration, with the two governments signing a co-production agreement in 2017 and a MoU on cooperation signed between the Beijing International Film Festival and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival this April.

Chinese movies hits big screens in Brazil as Film Festival opens in Rio