The upcoming 22nd China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) will offer more access for global companies to China's market, and function as a platform for economies to be more involved in free trade, said government officials and business leaders on Tuesday.

The grand event, to be held from Sept 8 to 11 in Xiamen, Fujian province, will have an exhibition area of 120,000 square meters and host more than 60 events, including the 2022 China International Industrial Internet Innovation and Development Conference, and the fourth China-Arab Trade and Investment Summit, according to its organizers.

Supported by effective policy measures, China's economy is expected to maintain its upward momentum, and foreign-funded companies are optimistic about its growth prospect and huge market, said Guo Tingting, assistant minister of commerce.

The CIFIT this year will continue to serve as a highly efficient capital matchmaking platform. A 26,000-square-meter matchmaking area is planned to be set up for the first time, according to its organizers.

Decathlon, a French sporting goods retailer, will build a notable presence during the upcoming CIFIT. The company will host a forum aimed at empowering the high-quality development of China's sports industry on September 9.

"We are excited to participate in the CIFIT for the first time," said Pascal Bizard, senior vice -president of Decathlon's China unit, adding that the company expects more opportunities for collaboration with Chinese companies.

The company opened its first sports park flagship store in Suzhou, Jiangsu province last month, offering an upgraded sports experience with more than 35,000 products and a 1,700-sqm fitness venue.