Media OutReach
China advances services trade, unlocking opportunities for global collaboration
This message resonated strongly at the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, which gathered exhibitors from over 80 countries, regions and international organizations.
As China steadily opens its service sector and consumption shifts toward services, the fair provides a crucial meeting point for global companies to access new opportunities, find solutions and share in the benefits of China’s high-quality development.
SURGING DEMAND
Now in its 12th edition, the fair serves as a platform for China to showcase the development of its service industry and highlight its market potential. The core exhibition area alone spans over 100,000 square meters — equivalent to approximately 14 standard football fields — covering a wide array of service sectors such as culture and tourism, education, transport, health, finance, environment, sports and information technology.
This year, CIFTIS offers a unique opportunity for visitors: a one-stop tour of Beijing’s most iconic cultural sites, all within the walls of the culture and tourism services hall.
Among many exhibitors, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and some other renowned destinations in Beijing have set up a collective booth, bringing their popular cultural and creative products to the event. This setup offers international visitors an efficient way to experience the highlights of Beijing’s cultural creativity without having to travel all over the city.
“The fair offers a key platform for us to communicate and collaborate with potential partners across various industries,” said Wang Fang at the Beijing Zoo booth, who had just discussed potential cooperation on eco-friendly souvenirs with a visiting company.
“Our goal is to provide both domestic and international tourists with higher-quality services and added value,” she added.
Instead of hunting for traditional goods, visitors at the CIFTIS are browsing for experiences. As China enters a stage where the service sector takes up more than half of the economy, the demand for high-quality services is on the rise, creating space for domestic industries to lift standards and for international companies to tap into this opportunity.
China’s consumption pattern has evolved into a stage that combines goods consumption with services consumption, said Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping, noting that from January to July this year, service retail sales grew by 5.2 percent year on year, with services accounting for a rising share of total consumption.
Sheng pointed out that the challenge lies in the insufficient supply of high-quality services to meet the rising demand. In this context, CIFTIS plays an important role in expanding imports of quality services.
The fair, gathering nearly 2,000 exhibitors, including close to 500 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry-leading enterprises like Walmart, AstraZeneca and KPMG, offers a glimpse into some of the world’s most innovative service offerings.
Chinese-made humanoid robots drew significant attention by demonstrating capabilities such as delivering food, preparing coffee, playing football, and even engaging in boxing matches.
Honson To, chairman of KPMG China and Asia Pacific, noted that China’s development of new quality productive forces, including cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, will drive progress in knowledge-intensive services trade.
“As a window of China’s high-standard opening-up, CIFTIS will continue to optimize the services trade structure and inject robust resilience and vitality into the Chinese economy,” he added.
DEEPENING OPENING-UP
Paul Bateman, chairman of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, has visited China for more than 150 times over the past 30 years. “With each visit, I’m more impressed by the vitality and growth of China’s market,” he said while addressing the Global Trade in Services Summit of the CIFTIS.
Paul Bateman, global chairman of JP Morgan Asset Management, addresses the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
Noting that the company’s footprint in China has expanded in recent years thanks to China’s decision to open up its service sector, particularly the removal of foreign equity caps in certain financial services, Bateman said the growth of trade in services is creating significant opportunities for the industry.
China has continued to advance the opening-up of its service sector. Last year, the country established a nationwide negative list management system for cross-border trade in services. In certain pilot free trade zones, overseas residents can now open securities or futures accounts to engage in businesses such as securities investment consulting or futures trading advisory services.
These policies have contributed to a notable rise in trade in services. In the first half of this year, China’s total services trade reached a record 3.9 trillion yuan (about 549 billion U.S. dollars), marking an 8 percent year-on-year increase.
During the fair, officials pledged efforts to further open up the sector. China will promote pilot opening-up programs in the fields of telecommunications and medicine, while steadily advancing opening-up in the education and culture sectors, Sheng said.
The country will also deepen alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and foster a transparent, stable, and predictable institutional environment, he added.
“China is willing to work with all countries and parties to strengthen opening up and cooperation in services trade, and promote growth in global trade and world economy,” said Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the fair.
SHARED OPPORTUNITY
For international participant at CIFTIS like Australian vocational education provider Chisholm Institute of TAFE, China’s growing demand for high-quality services represents a tangible opportunity.
“We’re looking to find partnerships that allow us to deliver Australian vocational qualifications in the Chinese market,” said Christopher Hogg, global business development manager of the institute, highlighting education as a key area of services trade collaboration between the two countries.
Over the years, CIFTIS has become a key platform that promotes global collaboration, encourages the exchange of advanced services, and creates shared opportunities for global businesses.
Norway’s national pavilion, featuring nine companies across sectors like health, nutrition and aquaculture, exemplifies how China’s changing consumption pattern is creating opportunities for foreign enterprises.
Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor of the Norwegian Embassy in China, noted the alignment between Norwegian offerings and rising Chinese health consciousness. “The Chinese consumers are very health-conscious. And for the products that we have in Norway, this is great,” he said, seeing “great opportunities” for Norwegian businesses to find partners and introduce products to Chinese consumers.
Andre Haspels, ambassador of the Netherlands to China, pointed to sports services as a vibrant area for cooperation, citing examples like collaborations in swimming safety and cycling infrastructure. “Sports, of course, is very important for health, mental and physical health,” he said, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the health sector.
As Sheng noted, by deepening integration with global markets, strengthening industrial collaboration and expanding open cooperation in trade in services, “China will inject stronger momentum into global economic prosperity.”
Hashtag: #CIFTIS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.
NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.
Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.
“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.
The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.
“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.
Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer
https://us.fikago.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FikaGO.US
https://www.instagram.com/fikago_us/
YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/@fikago5910
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FikaGO
FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.
Media OutReach
Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
- Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.
Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.
“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.
“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL
https://group.dhl.com/en.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhlexpress/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn