CIFTIS 2024: Global Visitors Amazed by China’s Pioneering Tech and Industrial Innovations.

Moblu Ahmed Kawsar

The 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has become a dynamic platform for Chinese and international visitors to exchange groundbreaking ideas and explore the latest advancements across various industries. This year's event has left a lasting impression on many foreign attendees, as Chinese firms showcased cutting-edge innovations, setting a global benchmark for technological progress.

One of the highlights of CIFTIS was the display by EHang Holdings, a leading urban air mobility technology platform in China. They introduced the EH216-S, a domestically developed, passenger-carrying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Approved by the Chinese civil aviation authority in April, this electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is set to begin production.

Manfred Janssen, head of KolnBusiness Economic Development Agency, was among those who experienced the aircraft firsthand. After stepping out of the cockpit, he expressed his excitement, saying, "It’s impressive. Knowing that it will operate this year is incredible, and I’m eager to see how China’s innovations will transform aviation globally." He noted that such solutions could greatly benefit large cities around the world.

CIFTIS has increasingly become a critical space for global exchange, fostering collaboration in the green and digital economies. Janssen’s delegation, which signed an MoU with Beijing officials, aims to deepen cooperation between Cologne and Beijing, particularly in the area of green economic transformation. Among the Cologne delegation was Deutz AG, a key player in the internal combustion engine industry.

According to event staff, hundreds of foreign guests visited the exhibition booths during the first two days, showing a strong interest in China’s emerging low-altitude economy.

As the first large-scale international exhibition held after the 20th Central Committee’s third plenary session, CIFTIS 2024 reaffirms China’s commitment to further opening up and sharing economic opportunities on a global scale. The event, themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," attracted participation from 85 countries and international organizations, emphasizing global cooperation in service trade.

The China National Convention Center and Shougang Park, which hosted the event, were filled with exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. Exhibits showcased revolutionary technologies, including AI-assisted surgical robots, hydrogen-powered motorbikes, and cloud-based AI digital hosts for live-streaming e-commerce. Visitors were also introduced to service robots that can replace blades for tunnel boring machines, demonstrating China’s leadership in green, digital, and smart tech.

STO Express, a major Chinese express delivery firm, revealed its omnidirectional sorting robot designed to enhance efficiency during deliveries. Mu Yu, a representative from STO, mentioned that foreign visitors expressed significant interest in their unmanned delivery vehicles and parcel-delivery drones. "Although many asked about our overseas expansion, we are currently focusing on the domestic market," Mu shared.

Mu emphasized that CIFTIS provides valuable insight into the latest technological applications in the service industry. "Participating in this event helps us optimize our development by exchanging ideas with others in the industry," she said.