The 8th China International Fair of Investment and Trade (CIFIT) will be held in eastern port city of Xiamen from Sept. 8 to 12.

A total of 189 overseas organizations from 41 countries and regions have confirmed their participation and more than 1,300 out of 1,500 exhibition booths have been reserved, according to the preparatory committee.

The focus of this year's CIFIT is attracting foreign investment and encouraging Chinese companies to invest overseas.

Nearly 40 high-level seminars and workshops will be organized during the fair, and some senior government officials, experts, political figures and representatives of multinationals will exchange views on encouraging cross-border direct investment and promoting common economic prosperity.

The CIFIT, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, has been an annual event since 1997.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2004)