The fast-evolving Chinese market and active overseas expansion of Chinese companies are consistently offering tremendous opportunities for global services providers, business leaders said during the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Having participated in the expo for all nine of its editions, Marriott International has seen rapid growth in the Chinese market, driven by the nation's robust travel sector. As of the end of September, the company had opened more than 100 new hotels in China this year, up more than 30 percent year-on-year with an average of 2.6 hotels opening each week. By the end of November, it will reach another milestone with the opening of its 800th hotel in China.

Mao Yibing, president of Marriott International Greater China, said China continues to advance high-level opening-up, and its tourism consumption remains robust.

Inbound tourism, as well as diversified and experiential travel, continue to generate new demand, providing international hotel groups with long-term growth opportunities as they deepen their presence in the Chinese market.

"Chinese consumers' expectations for travel have gone beyond simply reaching their destination; they place greater emphasis on experiences, connections and exploration. Business travel, family vacations, cultural exploration, and sports and entertainment are emerging as key areas of demand in the travel sector," said Mao.

The Project Management Institute made its CIIE debut as an exhibitor this year. The organization has been introducing global project management standards, certifications and knowledge to the Chinese market for over 18 years. As of August 2026, the institute had more than 1.96 million certification holders globally, including more than 700,000 in the Chinese mainland.

Miranda Wang, managing director of PMI China, said that as artificial intelligence, globalization and sustainability reshape how businesses operate and compete, project management is moving from an execution discipline toward a strategic organizational capability. PMI is looking to further leverage its expertise in project management to support Chinese organizations in innovation, global expansion and sustainable transformation.

"China generates rich project experience from its fast-changing business environment. We want to create a broader conversation around how organizations can strengthen the capabilities needed to manage transformation," said Wang.