2026 CIFTIS shows China's shift from products to tech-driven services

The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) wrapped up in Beijing on Sunday with more than 1,200 outcomes, underscoring the growing role of technology and knowledge-intensive services in China's rapidly evolving service trade.

Over five days, more than 1,830 companies and institutions exhibited on site, while more than 116,000 professional visitors registered for the event, up 3.7% year on year.

By noon on Sunday, the fair's core exhibition area had recorded nearly 420,000 visits, a 36.6% increase from the previous edition.

The fair also hosted around 200 forums, business matchmaking sessions and promotional events.

In total, more than 1,200 outcomes were achieved across seven categories, including six cooperation agreements signed between the Norwegian delegation, this year's guest of honor, and Chinese companies and institutions.

Beyond the numbers, the event offered a glimpse into a broader shift in China's service trade – from traditional, labor-intensive services toward technology-driven solutions, and from simply exporting products to providing services and expertise to overseas markets.

From products to services A major highlight of this year's CIFTIS was the debut of an exhibition area dedicated to cases of "Chinese services," showcasing how Chinese companies are moving beyond product exports to deliver services tailored to international markets.

One example was an overseas service platform based on China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

The platform represents a shift from exporting BeiDou-related equipment to providing operational services, helping countries develop their digital infrastructure.

Another featured product was a domestically developed welding robot that can be used in high-risk environments such as shipbuilding, offshore engineering and nuclear power.

Rather than simply selling equipment, the company also provides customized solutions and supporting services based on the needs of different overseas markets.

In addition, of the more than 140 innovative cases showcased in the new exhibition area, nearly 40% were centered on artificial intelligence, large language models and AI agents.

Visitors also experienced emerging services including AI-assisted medical care, intelligent question-and-answer systems and services designed to support healthy aging, highlighting a shift in what China exports.

In the past, China's service trade was more closely associated with sectors such as tourism, transportation and business-process outsourcing – areas that tend to rely heavily on labor and resources.