CIFIT, to run from Sept 8-11, is expected to attract hordes of participants from all over the world. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

An international investment promotions conference was held on Sept 7 in Xiamen city – in East China's Fujian province – with the aim of seizing new business opportunities and boosting economic growth in the region.

The event – called the 20th Annual Conference of the Federation of Investment Promotion Agencies of China & Seminar on International Investment Promotion – took place on Sept 7, the day before a major international investment fair is to be launched in the city.

The 22nd China International Fair for Investment, being held in Xiamen on Sept 8-11 and also known as CIFIT, is expected to attract hordes of participants from all over the world.

The promotions conference was themed on "grasp new policy opportunities to boost new economic development". The annual conference is hosted by the China Council for International Investment Promotion and experts and entrepreneurs from all over the world participated, both online and on-site.

Alessandro Golombiewski Teixerira, former Brazilian Minister of Tourism, stresses the importance of investment for developing countries in a speech to the conference. [Photo by Jin Yongxue/chinadaily.com.cn]

Former Brazilian Minister of Tourism, Alessandro Golombiewski Teixerira, told the conference in a keynote speech that developing countries, such as the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – each day need more investment.

He said China was the only country in the world that had a very proactive policy to attract investment at the provincial level. Chinese provinces like Guangzhou, Zhejiang and Fuzhou have offices all around the world.

"We need to promote the Chinese investment marketing system more internationally, because it would be an inspiration for different countries," Teixerira added.

Ismail Ersahin, executive director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies or WAIPA, said in a speech that investment would become even more valuable in ever changing environment.

"We are sharing the experiences of countries and regions in attracting investment and accelerating their sustainable development," Ersahin added.

Supachai Junkeiat, president of TCP China, said China was the company's most important overseas investment market and the group had invested 2 billion yuan ($290 million) for a production plant in Sichuan province in March. Moving forwards, the company expected to further expand its investment in other provinces in China, he said.

   Representatives from outstanding investment promotion organizations receive awards at the event. [Photo by Jin Yongxue/chinadaily.com.cn]

Dai Weilong, director of the Zhejiang International Investment Promotion Center and Wang Shufeng, director of the Chongqing Investment Promotion Association, also delivered speeches to promote East China's Zhejiang province and Chongqing city in Southwest China.

In addition, an awards ceremony was held for outstanding investment promotions organizations and projects.