This year's China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) hosted exhibitors from 116 foreign countries and regions at the online and offline exhibitions, 12 more than last year.

Photo taken on Sept. 2, 2020 shows the outdoor exhibition area of the China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing, capital of China. (File photo: Xinhua)

Wei Mingqian, chairman of the Capital Exhibition Group, said that this year's fair adopted a market-oriented approach to attracting exhibitors. Preparations and operations for the fair were managed in a way that could better meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors, Wei said.

The 2021 fair featured a series of summits, comprehensive exhibitions, and special exhibitions, showcasing new technological achievements and applications in emerging industries. It also provided a platform for representatives from political, business, and academic circles to hold exchanges on frontier issues related to the service trade.

In addition, digital platforms for this year's fair were further optimized to better facilitate the online exhibitions, conferences, and contract signings. About 4,400 corporations took part in the online exhibitions and conferences.

Thanks to strict epidemic prevention and control measures, zero COVID-19 cases were reported at the event this year. Chu Xiangyin, managing vice director of China Convention and Exhibition Society, said that the successful fair set a good example for the development of conferences and exhibitions across the country.

Chu added that the fair played a leading role in promoting the high-quality development of the service industry. So far, Beijing's service sector has accounted for more than 80% of the city's GDP for many years, underpinning the city's economic growth.