Global partners eager for collaboration with China at CIFTIS fair

The ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has emerged as a focal point for international cooperation, drawing interest and participation from a diverse array of countries and organizations.

Themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," the trade fair, which opened on Thursday and runs through Monday, has attracted participation from over 80 countries and international organizations.

Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of Royal Norwegian Embassy, highlighted interest in green development cooperation between two countries.

"I think the development in China is you can't really describe it with words almost. But the development in the last ten years, the most striking is China's progress in the green shift. We have small economy and we totally depend on having open economy, more trade. So I think in this sense, fairs like CIFTIS is actually more important now than ever because it's promoting more open trade," said Kristoffersen.

Ghulam Qadir, commercial counselor of the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, emphasized the pivotal role of the Chinese economy as a global manufacturing hub.

"Chinese economy is playing a sheet anchor role and it's the global workshop. And that's why we want to cooperate more with China. And we are looking for win-win outcomes," said Qadir.

The sentiments echoed by representatives from various nations and organizations underscore a shared enthusiasm for engaging with China on multiple fronts, from trade and services to sustainable development, signaling a promising outlook for global partnerships and collaboration with China in the years ahead.

"Of course we do have confidence in the Chinese market. I mean China's market has been opening. The Chinese economy has been growing significantly along the years, for many years now. And we want this trend to follow. We hope that China can keep its strength. And we hope that China and the world can join hands to make developments positive for everyone," said Paulo Nascimento, Portuguese Ambassador to China.

"China is a very big market, but it's not just its size, it's its sophistication. So I think it's more that 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," said Dale Pinto, President and Chair of the Board, CPA Australia.

Global partners eager for collaboration with China at CIFTIS fair

Global partners eager for collaboration with China at CIFTIS fair

Global partners eager for collaboration with China at CIFTIS fair

Global partners eager for collaboration with China at CIFTIS fair

Morocco welcomed 5.7 million tourists in the first four months of 2025, up 23 percent from the same period last year, according to the latest official data from the kingdom's Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy.

The North African nation's tourism revenue reached 2.46 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2025, up 2.4 percent year on year.

Several factors contributed to this surge, including enhanced air connectivity, strategic marketing efforts, and a diverse range of attractions.

"The 'Morocco, Land of Light' campaign is disseminated in 20 global tourist destinations through digital media platforms and giant display screens in world capitals. Thanks to the partnership with international airlines, the number of international flights increased by 20 percent in one year," said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy.

Foreign direct investment also played a crucial role in Morocco's tourism growth. Over the past five years, the country has averaged 3.5 billion U.S. dollars annually in FDI across all sectors.

"Foreign direct investments boost tourism projects and infrastructure and contribute to economic development. Morocco is a safe and stable country. That's why it continues to attract FDIs in all related sectors," said tourism expert Idriss Idrissi.

From the vibrant cities of Rabat, Marrakesh and Casablanca to serene beaches and unique desert resorts, Morocco offers a diverse experience for every type of travelers.

"Morocco has a colorful scenery. We're also glad to live an immersive experience in the old Medina where we can walk, eat and meet an amazing welcoming local community. Morocco is both traditional and very modern. It's an extraordinary experience!" said French Tourist Line Tezze.

The great performance of the tourism industry has also benefited the locals.

For many local artisans like Sidi Omar Tadili, tourism serves as a crucial source of income.

"The tourism boom has boosted the revenues of all Moroccan artisans. It has also opened up new markets while creating direct and indirect jobs in the craft industry across Morocco," said the artisan.

With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 African Cup of Nations, tourism is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Morocco sees tourism boom in first four months of 2025