The 2018 CIFIT promotion team visits the US-China Business Council. [Photo/chinafair.org.cn]

Agencies in Washington and Mexico City, respective capitals of the United States and Mexico, have shown great interest in the 2018 China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) after attending a promotional conference organized by the event.

The CIFIT will this year be held in Xiamen, Fujian province, from Sept 8 to 11.

From June 15 to 18, a delegation of the 2018 CIFIT management committee hosted promotional conferences in the two cities, during which they detailed the Xiamen’s current conditions and noted highlights of this year’s event in the hope of expanding its influence in North and Central America.

Steven M. Miller, senior commissioner of international investment from the US Department of Commerce, shared his experiences in hosting an investment fair with CIFIT’s promotional team and gave their project his enthusiastic support.

The 2018 CIFIT promotion team discusses Xiamen’s status and the highlights of this year’s CIFIT with representatives of Mexico’s investment promotion bureau. [Photo/chinafair.org.cn]

Since 2014, the US Department of Commerce has hosted the SelectUSA Investment Summit every year to attract foreign direct investment.

Tyler Shields of the department said that he would consider using CIFIT to help US states source investment, and that he hoped to maintain frequent contact with the management committee.

John Kamensky of the US-China Business Council said he would try to attend this year’s event with a delegation, and will encourage the council’s member companies to take part in China’s Belt and Road Initiative through CIFIT.

A Mexican investment promotion bureau expressed interest pursuing a place for Mexico as next year’s guest nation of honor.

Chairwoman of the Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce and Technology, Karla Loyo, spoke about the significant role CIFIT could play in attracting investment and of her plans to advertise the event among the chamber’s membership.

A Chinese delegation visits the Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce and Technology. [Photo/chinafair.org.cn]

The Fujian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico aims to strengthen its connection with Chinese companies and is looking to explore more investment opportunities for its member companies in China by attending the 2018 CIFIT.

CIFIT has developed much interest from investors over its history. Last year, the fair facilitated the signing of 1,577 investment projects worth 532.7 billion yuan ($82 billion) and attracted more than 100,000 domestic and foreign business representatives from 4,000 domestic and foreign enterprises, 700 business groups and 40 multinational corporations from 107 countries and regions.