The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) concluded in Beijing on Sunday 14 September, marking one of the world’s largest service trade exhibitions with record participation and strong international engagement.
Centered on the theme “Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services”, the fair drew nearly 2,000 on-site exhibitors and 5,600 online participants, including more than 480 Fortune Global 500 companies. Over 900 agreements were signed in sectors such as information technology, finance and construction.
Norwegian presence was visible both at the diplomatic and business level. Henning Kristoffersen, Commercial Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, stressed the importance of China’s openness for Norway’s economy:
“We have to import, we have to export, and we rely on other economies to be open. That’s why we value the openness and market access to Chinese consumers and beyond.”
He highlighted opportunities linked to China’s growing middle class, especially in health-focused products and maritime solutions.
One Norwegian company, Vitalis Pharma AS, joined the fair for the first time and reported strong consumer interest in its seal oil supplements.
“We spent a lot of time explaining to people about the raw materials, why the product is legal, and what benefits seal oil has. It was an educational process, but the enthusiasm was high — many visitors scanned our code and placed orders on the spot,” said Li Xi, marketing manager at Vitalis Pharma AS, a Norway-based health supplement giant.
Sources: The Rising Nepal and Global Times
