The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) opened its doors to the public on Sunday.
The two major exhibition areas, the China National Convention Center and the Shougang Park, are offering free entry to visitors until Monday. CIFTIS, now in its fourth day, has already hosted 158 forums and conferences, attracting nearly 150,000 attendees in the first three days. The public opening day saw a surge of interest in the latest technological advancements, innovations, and applications.
Among the highlights were models of the tunnel boring machine used in the world's longest underwater high-speed rail tunnel, and a self-driving high-speed train.
Immersive experiences at various exhibition areas are also providing visitors with a more engaging and interactive experience.
"It feels like something out of an animated movie. It's really fun,” said one visitor.
Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality are taking visitors on a captivating journey through the world of cultural innovation.
Many booths have also incorporated Mid-Autumn Festival themes as Sunday coincided with the first day of the festival holiday, with some offering the festival's special snack mooncakes.
CIFTIS will continue to host 21 forums and conferences on Sunday, with 15 new achievements to be released, covering areas such as telecommunications, computer and information services, and healthcare services.
Over 450 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, as well as representatives from 85 countries and international organizations, are participating in the five-day event, which opened on Thursday under the theme "Global Services, Shared Prosperity."
China's 2024 services trade fair captivates public with latest tech offerings
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
