CIFTIS offers compelling platform for global businesses to seek aspirational growth

The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has become a compelling platform for global businesses to seek aspirational growth through forging new partnerships and bridging lucrative opportunities, said exhibitors on Thursday, the fair's opening day.

The event, scheduled to take place in Beijing from Sept 12 to 16, saw both old participants and newcomers, all taking advantage of the fair's extensive networking and collaboration opportunities.

A Mongolian exhibitor highlighted the success of last year's participation, which led to a significant increase in sales through a partnership with Chinese e-commerce platforms. This year, the company expanded its national pavilion and brought a wider range of products.

"Last year, I came for the first time and we had this Mongolian National Pavilion, [with] much smaller space, then we saw much more potential in this expo. So, we made this place bigger and we bring more products to participate this year," said Buba, CEO of a garment manufacturing company from Mongolia.

The CEO also recognized the vast potential of CIFTIS for business growth.

"The platform, 'Fu Mao Hui (CIFTIS in Chinese)' helped us a lot. It does actually more than their double. This is not only us. There are many Mongolian companies and manufacturers benefit from this. And we are expecting more in this year. It is very important for us, especially to the companies that [are] trying to aim into the Chinese market. So, such platforms support us, [and] made things much easier for us," he added.

Dale Pinto, president and chair of the board of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Australia, emphasized the importance of technological innovation, particularly AI, in the accounting industry.

"We're talking about innovating using technology. The obvious example in the accounting profession is AI, and we see China as an ideal partner because China is very advanced in these areas. And I think Australia can learn from China, and hopefully we can share some of our professional body experiences and benefit each other in a cooperative way," Dale Pinto said.

He also views China as an ideal partner due to its advanced position in these fields and hopes for a mutually beneficial exchange of expertise.

"China is our biggest trade partner, so we've had a long relationship where we mutually deal with each other. China is a very big market, but it's not just its size, it's its sophistication. The last time I was in Beijing was in 1998. And already in half a day, I have seen so many big changes in China. It's really the sophistication and the tremendous growth and emphasis in services that China has pioneered in many ways. So, we want to work with China to help grow that as well," he said.

Nigeria's charge d'affaires in Beijing, Babagana Wakil, emphasized the importance of the fair following the just concluded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, seeing it as an opportunity for South-South Cooperation.

"Our president has attended [the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit]. We had a very important meeting at the highest level. We have a good cooperation and agreement with China and we are looking forward to implement and follow up these agreements. This is a great opportunity and a potential for South-South Cooperation between Nigeria and China," said the official.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's commercial counselor at the country's embassy in China, Ghulam Qadir, praised CIFTIS as one of the world's premier events, looking forward to fruitful meetings and interactions.

"It is one of the premier events in the world. So, we expect many good meetings and any good interactions, and make the best use of this whole beautiful ecosystem," Qadir said.

CIFTIS offers compelling platform for global businesses to seek aspirational growth

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that his country has not sent hypersonic missiles to Yemen's Houthi group.

The president made the remarks at a press conference in Tehran, in response to a question from an Al Jazeera news network reporter who quoted political experts saying that Iran has supplied hypersonic missiles, or the technology to develop them, to the Houthis.

Iran has hypersonic missiles, but not of the same kind that the Houthis possess, Pezeshkian said, adding that the Houthis themselves had developed the missiles over time.

It is impossible for Iran to send missiles to Yemen covertly when it takes more than a week just to send solely human forces to the country, he said.

Pezeshkian said that Iran and the Houthis have worked together against Israel's "genocide" in Gaza, and stressed that the international community should condemn the crimes against humanity committed by Israel.

"If [the Western] countries are worried about the security of Israel, why are they not concerned about the security of Gaza Strip, the security of Palestine and innocent people? Civilized countries and supporters of human rights should not allow power to bomb and kill innocent civilians while simultaneously accusing Iran of supplying missiles to Yemen's Houthis," said Pezeshkian.

On Iran-U.S. relations, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's pursuit of peace over conflict and clarified that Iran has no intentions of building nuclear weapons.

However, he said, the U.S. has chosen to abandon the Iran nuclear deal and made threats against Iran. The possibility of a relaxation in strained relations between the two sides hinges on the U.S. dropping its animosity towards Iran and revoking its extensive sanctions against the country, he said.

"We don't want to start a war, but the U.S. wants to impose wars on us. If the U.S. is willing to respect Iran's rights, we will not engage in conflict with the U.S. or any other party. We hope to develop safely in our own country without the U.S. undermining Iran's security or threaten and humiliate Iran. we will never accept humiliation," Pezeshkian said.

Iran has not sent hypersonic missiles to Yemen's Houthis: President Pezeshkian