Organizers said in all, the fair is expected to attract about 120,000 visitors from over 110 countries and regions. They're being drawn by an exhibition area of 130,000 square meters, 6,000 stands and 16 themed exhibitions focusing on such hot-button topics as investing in China, international investment, modern services industries, cross-border e-commerce and emerging industries.

CIFIT was set up 20 years ago to be a bridge for strengthening cooperation and seeking mutual development between China and the rest of the world and has since become a window for China's opening-up, said Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce.