China is rolling out a series of policies aimed at enhancing its appeal to foreign investors, signaling a commitment to deeper global economic integration amid global uncertainties.
During the recent “Two Sessions,” China’s key annual political meetings, high-level opening-up was a focal point. National and local governments introduced various measures designed to make China more accessible and attractive to foreign businesses.
At the national level, policies such as the “Opinions on Further Optimizing the Foreign Investment Environment” have been launched, outlining 24 policy measures to facilitate foreign investment. These measures encompass enhancing market access, protecting the rights and interests of foreign investors, and improving services for foreign-funded enterprises.
Local governments are also taking proactive steps. Shanghai, for instance, has introduced “Measures to Increase the Attraction and Utilization of Foreign Investment,” offering preferential policies in land use, taxation, financial support, talent acquisition, and administrative services. The city is focusing on key industries such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and new energy vehicles.
Furthermore, Shanghai has extended the Qualified Foreign Limited Partnership (QFLP) pilot program to expedite cross-border capital flows, making it easier for foreign investors to participate in domestic markets.
Similarly, Fujian Province released 25 measures in February to optimize the environment for foreign investment, emphasizing cooperation between foreign and Chinese enterprises, institutions, and universities, particularly in the biomedicine sector.
Provinces like Zhejiang and Guangdong are implementing measures to enhance regional competitiveness and openness, with themes of favorable tax policies, streamlined administrative procedures, and more flexible immigration policies.
The Chinese government is prioritizing the feedback of foreign investors, striving to be responsive to their needs and concerns. The Ministry of Commerce has been organizing monthly roundtable meetings with foreign-invested enterprises to address issues such as promoting bilateral economic and trade exchanges, ensuring the implementation of key foreign-invested projects, and continuously optimizing the business environment.
These efforts are yielding positive results. Global energy firm ExxonMobil has invested over 31 billion yuan in its ethylene project in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, with plans to invest an additional 10 billion yuan this year. The project is preparing to commence production by the end of the year.
Starbucks, the world’s largest coffee chain, aims to open 9,000 stores in China by 2025. The company has expressed continued confidence in the Chinese market, which is poised to become Starbucks’ largest globally.
According to a survey conducted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, over 90 percent of foreign-invested enterprises rated their satisfaction with China’s business environment as “satisfied” or above for indicators such as cross-border trade and market access.
China emphasizes that its economic cooperation with the global market is mutually beneficial and is committed to creating a fair, transparent, and predictable environment for foreign investors. By pursuing a higher level of opening-up, China aims to foster an environment where domestic and international circulations reinforce each other, adhering to the principles of cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit.
Looking ahead, China is confident in achieving its long-term, high-quality development goals and intends to continue contributing significantly to global economic recovery and prosperity.
Reference(s):
China rolls out welcome mat for foreign investors though policies
cgtn.com
