China unveiled its latest foreign investment guidelines on December 24, 2025, introducing significant updates to attract overseas capital while aligning with national development goals. The 2025 Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment adds 205 new entries compared to its 2022 predecessor, reflecting shifting economic priorities in advanced manufacturing and green technologies.
Jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce, the updated framework emphasizes regional specialization through separate nationwide and location-specific lists. Key additions include next-generation battery production, AI infrastructure development, and sustainable agriculture technologies – sectors where China seeks to strengthen global competitiveness this year.
Analysts note the catalogue’s focus on balancing investment distribution across provinces comes as coastal regions face capacity constraints. “This revision signals China’s commitment to upgrading its industrial chain while addressing regional disparities,” said Shanghai-based economist Li Wei in a statement to state media.
The policy update arrives as China maintains its position as a top destination for overseas investors, with foreign direct investment inflows reaching $189 billion in the first three quarters of 2025 according to Ministry of Commerce data.
