At the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), numerous companies are unveiling advanced digital technologies that are transforming business operations across various sectors. The event highlights the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other frontier digital tools in enhancing consumer experiences, optimizing supply chains, and improving service delivery.

Alibaba Group is featuring a range of AI-driven applications targeting consumers, merchants, and corporate buyers. Zhu Yidan, director of Beijing public affairs for Alibaba’s business-to-business platform 1688, detailed several innovations. On the ecommerce platform Tmall, shoppers can use an AI tool to visualize how furniture would fit and appear in their homes. Another function offers tailored recommendations and design renderings to support age-friendly home renovations.

For merchants on Taobao, Alibaba’s online marketplace, an upgraded AI assistant comprising six specialized agents aids in graphic design, data analysis, merchandising, marketing, and customer engagement. According to Alibaba, more than 5 million merchants have integrated AI into their operations using this tool. On the business procurement side, 1688 introduced Newton, an AI-driven sourcing platform aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises and cross-border sellers. Newton facilitates product sourcing, price negotiation, and order tracking. The platform also plans to launch the Universal Trade Protocol, which leverages AI agents to streamline end-to-end transaction processes, including product discovery, inquiries, ordering, and payments.

China Mobile’s pavilion demonstrates advances in computing capabilities, global network connectivity, and application of AI across manufacturing, healthcare, and remote interaction fields. Exhibits include AI-powered flexible manufacturing lines, data analytics tools, and an interactive holographic cabin, allowing visitors to experience ultra-realistic remote communications. The company is also showcasing its latest research on 6G technology. Among its commercially deployed services abroad are a smart warehousing system for European e-commerce firms and a cross-border remote maintenance platform for Southeast Asian factories. Additionally, China Mobile offers an integrated service for expatriates and international travelers in China, combining mobile network access, cross-border payments, and travel support. Tan Yunfeng, deputy general manager of China Mobile’s Beijing branch, emphasized CIFTIS as a vital platform for demonstrating digital capabilities and facilitating bilateral trade in digital services.

China Postal Express & Logistics is participating for the 11th year, presenting autonomous delivery technologies such as drones, unmanned delivery vehicles, and robots. The company plans to deploy over 10,000 unmanned delivery vehicles nationwide in 2026 to support multiple logistics operations, including postal routes in rural and township areas and inbound logistics for factories. Since 2016, the company has established more than 310 drone routes servicing urban, rural, mountainous, island, and cold-chain medicine transport needs.

Schneider Electric is exhibiting services spanning the full lifecycle of customer assets and systems, covering areas like power distribution, critical power supply, and industrial automation for facilities, infrastructure, and data centers. A highlight is EcoConsult, aimed at helping companies pursue digital transformation by providing system assessments, upgrades, and certification support. For example, EcoConsult for Data Centers offers consulting to extend infrastructure lifespans and improve efficiency. Schneider Electric’s EcoFit renovation service targets existing equipment upgrades. Under its "China Hub" initiative, the company leverages four innovation centers and over 400 service engineers domestically, backed by a global network of more than 1,600 partners. Chen Shu, public relations manager at Schneider Electric, noted that CIFTIS offers a prime venue for service providers to explore new opportunities, showcase innovations, and foster collaboration.