CHINA on Wednesday unveiled an action plan aimed at stabilizing foreign investment. The plan, jointly crafted by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and the National Development and Reform Commission, was recently approved by the State Council.

The plan outlines measures to further open key sectors, including value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, wholly foreign-owned hospitals, education, and cultural services. It also encourages foreign equity investment in China’s listed companies and lifts restrictions on domestic loans for foreign-invested enterprises, allowing them to use domestic financing for equity investments.

Additionally, the plan promotes foreign investment in animal husbandry-related fields such as breeding, feeding equipment production, and the production of feed and veterinary medicine, where foreign businesses will enjoy national treatment. High-tech industries and service sectors — including elderly care, culture and tourism, sports, health care, vocational education, and finance — are also highlighted as priority areas for foreign investment.

The action plan further ensures that foreign-owned companies will have equal access to bidding for government-procured products and services.

According to the MOC, foreign direct investment (FDI) into China reached 97.6 billion yuan (US$13.40 billion) in January, reflecting a 13.4% year-on-year decline but a 27.5% increase compared to December 2024.

In 2024, a total of 59,080 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, marking a 9.9% increase year-on-year. Notably, China has attracted over 1 trillion yuan in annual overseas investment for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, underscoring its continued appeal as a global investment destination.(Xinhua)