The 2019 China International Fair for Investment & Trade is scheduled to open in Xiamen on Sept 8. [Photo/VCG]

Big things are expected of this year's China International Fair for Investment & Trade -- CIFIT -- the massive trade show which runs on Sept 8-11 in Xiamen, in eastern Fujian province.

For one thing, this time round it is seen consolidating and expanding cooperation with international organizations, according to local media reports.

For another, preeminent international organizations -- including the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund and the World Health Organization -- are coming to CIFIT for the first time.

In addition to the newbies, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development will continue its annual routine of issuing the World Investment Report (Chinese Version) at CIFIT.

This esteemed document authoritatively examines the conditions of global foreign direct investment in 2018 and forecasts the trends in 2019.

Additionally, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization will take part in hosting the International Investment Forum and release the International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics during the forum.

Adding to all that, the International Association for Hydrogen Energy, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Silk Road Fund and other institutions will also organize and participate in related activities.

What's more, a slew of political and economic celebrities, as well as entrepreneurs from home and abroad, will attend the event.

Four former heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance – among them, the former presidents of Serbia and Chile, and the former prime ministers of Egypt and Austria.

According to the organizing committee, more than 50 countries and regions will participate in this year's CIFIT, and the international exhibition area will reach 15,000 square meters, an increase of about 25 percent over the previous year.

Apart from Serbia, the guest country of honor, more than 20 countries and regions -- including Germany, Belgium, Egypt, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines -- will host investment promotions conferences and investment environment briefings.