More than 70,000 visitors, including 15,000 from overseas, are expected at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre in September for the annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade.
The mainland's only international investment promotion, aimed at easing bilateral investment, is also the largest investment event approved by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
First held in 1997, the event is designed as a platform for investment negotiations between foreign investors and their Chinese counterparts, and the announcement and promotion of new investment policy by national and regional government bodies.
Because of Xiamen's geographical location, the event also helps to promote economic and trade exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. Last year's event was officiated by Wu Bangguo, a member of the Politburo and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC). Wu was joined by Li Jianguo, deputy secretary-general of the NPC Standing Committee, and former vice-premier Wu Yi.
A total of 15,118 overseas visitors from 112 countries and regions attended the event, including delegations from 636 organisations from 108 countries and regions. They were joined by the 55,000 mainland visitors. The conferences held concurrently with the event attracted audiences of more than 20,000.
Agreements for 493 investment projects were signed, involving investment of US$21.45 billion, including foreign funds of US$17.37 billion.