Since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Commerce, together with competent departments, has continued to collect common issues and needs reflected by foreign-invested enterprises through channels such as foreign enterprise roundtable meetings, foreign enterprise service task forces, and complaint mechanisms. Based on existing policies such as the 24 measures for attracting foreign investment, we launched the 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment and introduced 20 practical measures to stabilize foreign investment. Recently, we held a special press conference to provide more details.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Commerce will take the following steps to fully stabilize foreign investment while focusing on implementing the action plan.
First, expand pilot programs to open up more sectors. Last year, we promoted pilot programs in some regions to open up sectors such as value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals. Currently, 13 foreign enterprises have been approved to provide value-added telecommunications services, over 40 foreign-invested enterprises have implemented biotechnology projects, and three new wholly foreign-owned hospitals have been approved. Many foreign-invested projects in these pilot sectors are also advancing. This year, we will continue to accelerate the implementation of pilot programs in relevant sectors, steadily expand the scope of the pilots, and focus on further expanding pilot programs in areas such as education and culture.
Second, continuously build the “Invest in China” brand. In February, we held “Invest in China” foreign investment policy briefings in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, which were widely welcomed by Japanese companies. We are also preparing to conduct a series of “Invest in China” events in key and emerging investment source regions, including Europe, the United States, South Korea, Singapore, and the Middle East. Additionally, we will focus on organizing the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade, aiming to make it a landmark event for “Invest in China”. During the China International Import Expo, we will host thematic promotional events for free trade zones and other topics. We will also support local governments in conducting investment promotion activities in line with local conditions under the “Invest in China” framework, targeting key countries in a well-regulated manner.
Third, continuously optimize services and the business environment. Since establishing the foreign enterprise roundtable meeting mechanism in 2023, the Ministry of Commerce has organized over 30 roundtable meetings and resolved more than 500 difficulties and requests from foreign-invested enterprises. This year, we have launched the ‘Service Support for Foreign Enterprises’ initiative to create a communication and assistance platform featuring swift responsiveness and no unnecessary interference, actively addressing challenges faced by foreign-invested enterprises in China. We will treat domestic and foreign enterprises equally, supporting their participation in large-scale equipment upgrades, consumer goods trade-ins, government procurement, invitation and submission of bids and other activities, providing a level playing field for foreign enterprises. Thank you.