China's Open Economy Brings Greater Opportunities

Opening-up is a fundamental state policy of China. The country is advancing high-standard opening-up, steadily expanding institutional opening-up in rules, regulations, management, and standards — bringing broader development opportunities for foreign enterprises.

Opening-Up: The Distinctive Hallmark of Contemporary China

The report of the 20th CPC National Congress stated that China will advance high-standard opening-up, leverage the advantages of its ultra-large market to attract global resources, enhance the synergy between domestic and international markets, and elevate the quality and level of trade and investment cooperation.

July 2023 — The "Opinions on Building a Higher-Level Open Economic System" called for institutional opening-up as the focus, deepening reforms in investment, trade, finance, and innovation. The document emphasizes improving top-level design, expanding market access, and optimizing the business environment.

July 2024 — The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee decided to deepen reforms of foreign investment management. Key measures include: creating a world-class business environment, fully lifting foreign investment restrictions in the manufacturing sector, and orderly expanding opening-up in telecom, internet, education, culture, and healthcare. Foreign enterprises are guaranteed national treatment in market access, standards setting, and government procurement.

2024 Central Economic Work Conference — Expand high-standard opening-up, stabilize foreign trade and investment. Actively develop service trade, green trade, and digital trade. Advance service sector opening-up in telecom, healthcare, and education. Continue building the "Invest in China" brand. Promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

2025 Government Work Report — Regardless of external changes, China will unswervingly adhere to opening-up. Vigorously encourage foreign investment, advance comprehensive pilot programs for service sector opening-up, and ensure national treatment for foreign enterprises. Continue creating a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized first-class business environment.

International Trade and Investment Among the World's Best

China has become the world's largest trader of goods, second-largest trader of services, largest holder of foreign exchange reserves, and second-largest user of foreign capital — consolidating its position as a key force driving and leading economic globalization.

Note: Figures from China's 2024 National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin. All amounts in CNY (yuan).

Investing in China: Returns That Grow With the Economy

The 2024 National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin shows that profits of foreign-invested industrial enterprises above designated size reached 1,763.8 billion CNY. According to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the return rate on foreign direct investment in China in recent years has been approximately 9%, which is at a high level internationally.

Kearney's 2025 FDI Confidence Index Report ranks China 6th globally — the fourth consecutive year in the top 10 and third consecutive year as the top emerging market destination.