The 17th International Service Trade Forum, co-hosted by Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and the China Association of International Trade, was successfully inaugurated at Shougang Park in Beijing on September 4. 

Under the theme of "Innovate the Mechanism for Service Trade, Expand New Space for Chinese-Path to Modernization", the forum attracted representatives from the UNCTAD, 27 business officials from eight countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, and experts from China's political, industrial, academic, and research sectors.

The 17th International Service Trade Forum

The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Li Jiashan, executive deputy head of the China Institute for Service Trade at BISU. Distinguished speakers at the forum included Bian Zhenhu, vice-president of the China Association of International Trade; Zhu Guangyao, a second-level inspector of the department of trade in services and commercial services of the Ministry of Commerce; Song Wei, deputy director-general of the department of policy and regulation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Simon Jabbour, head of department of exhibition of the Ministry of Economy and Trade in Lebanon; Natalia Calenic, vice-president  of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Moldova; and Cheng Wei, vice-president of BISU.

Distinguished speakers deliver speeches.

Service trade has been identified as a vital component of international trade and economic cooperation. Special topics included the construction of specialized service export bases and digital cultural trade innovation. Over 20 experts from government, academia, and industry engaged in specialized discussions and exchanges.

BISU signs strategic research agreements with multiple enterprises.

Strategic research agreements were signed between BISU and Shenzhen Lofree Cultural Co., Ltd and 37 Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group Co., Ltd. These partnerships are aimed at fostering the internationalization and marketization of China's creative design and gaming industries. 

The Blue Book series, a multi-disciplinary research project from BISU, is officially released at the forum.

Cai Jihui, deputy chief editor of the Social Sciences Academic Press, commended the newly-released Blue Book series, a multi-disciplinary research project from BISU. Cui said the series  presents the trends and features of China's service and cultural trade, deeply analyzes challenges, and offers innovative case studies for practical guidance.

The forum is a key event of the China International Service Trade Fair and adheres to the principles of high-quality development and high-level openness. It has established itself as a leading platform for intellectual exchange, think-tank output, innovative growth, and multi-sector collaboration in the field.