(ECNS) -- Representatives from multiple countries commended China’s role in fueling global economic growth through its outbound investments at the Briefing on Key Outward Investment Promotion Events in 2025, held in Beijing on Wednesday.
Hosted by the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce (CIPA), the conference outlined CIPA's strategic vision and key initiatives for foreign investment promotion in 2025.
Yu Zirong, deputy director general of CIPA, highlighted the strong performance of China's outbound investment in 2024, which saw continued growth and structural optimization.
To date, China's cumulative outbound direct investment (ODI) is approaching $3 trillion. From January to November 2024, non-financial ODI exceeded 900 billion yuan (around $122.8 billion), marking a 12 percent increase. Chinese enterprises have invested in nearly 190 countries and regions across 18 sectors, including leasing and business services, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, and finance.
Yu emphasized China's vibrant investment cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, noting significant investments in key nations like Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. These efforts have injected new momentum into global economic recovery and sustainable development, he said.
Yan Hua, director of CIPA's Department of Outward Investment and Cooperation, outlined five key priorities for 2025, including enhancing support for investment in Belt and Road countries, hosting “China Investment” events at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade, and fostering international supply chain collaboration. Plans also include building comprehensive support systems for outbound investment and facilitating Chinese enterprises’ participation in global trade exhibitions.
Tom Simpson, managing director of China Operations & China chief representative, China-Britain Business Council, highlighted the UK as a leading European destination for Chinese investment. With cumulative Chinese investment in the UK exceeding ￡116 billion and creating nearly 60,000 jobs, Simpson praised the achievements in sectors such as fintech, manufacturing, and cultural industries.
"We believe there is significant potential to expand this investment activity in areas the UK government is prioritizing for economic development and growth, such as net zero and related supply chains. With UK-China relations entering a new chapter, we believe there is an opportunity to grow two-way investment and the ways our two economies interact with each other whether through our capital markets, technologies, or servicing consumers," he said.
Jirapat Methaseth, minister counselor (Investment Promotion) of the Royal Thai Embassy and director of BOI, Beijing Office, commended Chinese enterprises for their contributions to Thailand's manufacturing and high-tech sectors.
"Chinese companies bring not only capital but also expertise, innovation, and a spirit of collaboration that strengthens both our economies. Successful projects in industries such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, and digital have demonstrated how our cooperation can lead to significant achievements. Thailand is ready to support your aspirations with world-class infrastructure, government support, and a welcoming investment climate,” he said.
Representatives from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, China Ocean Development Foundation, Department of Commerce of Shandong Province, Genertec International Holding Co., Ltd, Inspur Cloud, the Export-Import Bank of China, China Development Institute, and King & Wood Mallesons also shared their insights and recommendations at the conference.
Victor Cadena, executive vice president of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, expressed optimism in an interview with China News Network.
"China remains the world's largest growth engine, contributing one-third of global economic growth. We are optimistic about the coming years and confident in China's economic prospects," he said.
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