Participants keep their eyes on the prize at trade fair

The 15th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) will be the first time BIRCS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - have appeared together at the world's largest investment fair, suggesting the greater influence emerging economies are enjoying in the global capital market.

"The 15th CIFIT is set to attract worldwide attention and business sectors in emerging markets have demonstrated unprecedented enthusiasm for the fair," Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said on Tuesday, just before the fair's opening ceremony. The event runs from Wednesday until Sept 11.

According to Shen, more than 62 countries and regions will stage exhibitions at the fair, including Russia, India, Bahrain and Bengal, which are setting up their first booths at this important trade event.