FOREIGN direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland was optimized in quality and quantitative growth, thanks to an improved business environment, officials and experts said.

FDI into the Chinese mainland rose 1.1 percent year on year to 446.29 billion yuan (US$65.26 billion) in the first six months of 2018, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). In dollar terms, FDI inflow grew 4.1 percent to US$68.32 billion in H1, MOC data showed.

Meanwhile, the number of new overseas-funded companies established on the Chinese mainland surged 96.6 percent from a year earlier to 29,591.

The fast growth of new overseas-funded companies benefited mainly from continuous improvement of China overall business environment, said MOC spokesman Gao Feng.

Foreign investors confidence was constantly reinforced as Chinese market vitality was further stimulated by simplified company founding procedures and improved investment facilitation, Gao said.

In the first half of this year, FDI in the high-tech manufacturing industry rose 25.3 percent year on year, led by investment growth of medical instruments, communications equipment, and computer and office equipment.

Huo Jianguo, vice chairman of the China Society for WTO studies, attributed foreign investors enthusiasm to China great market potential and eased restrictions.

China promise for a better business environment is becoming a reality, with accelerated implementation of opening up measures.

The country has revised its negative lists for foreign investment, further widening market access in such areas as finance, transportation, energy, resources, agriculture, and culture.

The nationwide negative list has been cut to 48 items from 63 in the previous version, while the list for pilot free trade zones decreased to 45 items from 95. Both lists came into effect at the end of July.

(Xinhua)