High-tech sectors become key focus for FDI in China: report

XIAMEN: High-tech and high-value-added industries have increasingly become a key focus for foreign investors in China, with their share of total foreign direct investment (FDI) in actual use continuing to rise, according to a report released on Wednesday.

The report, issued on the sidelines of the 26th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, east China's Fujian province, showed that high-tech sectors accounted for about 32% of total FDI in actual use in 2025, while the scientific research and technical services sector alone contributed nearly one-fifth of the total.

Multinational corporations are accelerating the establishment of R&D centres in China, positioning the country as a vital node in their global innovation networks, the report said.

In 2025, the scientific research and technical services sector saw 14,000 newly established foreign-invested enterprises, an increase of 27.2% year-on-year. Its share of total FDI in actual use has posted steady growth for seven consecutive years.

Despite a challenging global economic landscape, China's foreign investment inflows have shown strong resilience. In 2025, the country registered 70,392 newly established foreign-invested firms, hitting a record high with a year-on-year growth of 19.1%.

In the first half of 2026, the number of new foreign-invested enterprises rose 5.3% from a year earlier, with FDI in actual use reaching 402.14 billion yuan (about $59.34 billion).

By RSS/Xinhua

The report also noted a notable diversification in investment sources, with Belt and Road partner countries becoming a major driver of foreign capital inflows into China.

Compiled jointly by the CIFIT organising committee and the Development Research Centre of the State Council, the China two-way investment report 2026 marks its fourth consecutive annual release.

The CIFIT, often viewed as a barometer of China's outbound investment and inbound FDI, runs from Sept 8 to 11 this year, drawing delegations from 129 countries and regions.