China today stands not only as a major destination for foreign investment, but also as a driving force of outbound capital, bringing new vitality to global markets.
According to a recently released statistical bulletin, China’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024 reached $192.2 billion, accounting for 11.9 percent of the global total — up 0.5 percentage points from the previous year. This marks the 13th consecutive year that China has ranked among the world’s top three in outbound investment, and the ninth year in a row that its share has exceeded 10 percent. By the end of 2024, China’s total outward FDI stock had reached $3.14 trillion, placing it firmly among the global top three for eight consecutive years.
“Economic globalization is an unstoppable trend. Chinese enterprises going global is about mutual benefit and win-win outcomes — we deliver quality supply, job opportunities, and tax revenues to local communities, while enterprises themselves achieve robust growth,” said Wu Sanqiang, Secretary to the Board of China International Marine Containers (CIMC).
Having operated internationally since 1997, CIMC now runs over 300 overseas subsidiaries with manufacturing facilities and R&D centers across nearly 20 countries and regions, employing about 4,700 foreign staff.
Expanding Global Reach and Economic Cooperation
China continues to champion constructive globalization, promoting practical cooperation to stabilize global industrial and supply chains while contributing to world economic growth. In 2024 alone, China’s outbound investment stimulated $211 billion in related goods exports, a year-on-year increase of 13 percent, accounting for nearly 6 percent of the country’s total exports.
Chinese enterprises abroad generated $3.6 trillion in sales revenue, paid $82.1 billion in taxes to host countries and regions, and provided jobs for over 5 million people, with nearly two-thirds being local hires.
Wu noted that Chinese investment is increasingly turning toward emerging markets. “In recent years, our focus has shifted from developed economies to fast-growing regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” he said. In 2024, CIMC opened a regional office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, working with its subsidiaries to support the nation’s energy transition.
Across Asia, China-built infrastructure is rising rapidly — from Malaysia’s Pavilion Damansara Heights complex to Pakistan’s Peshawar–Karachi Motorway and Cambodia’s Techo International Airport, major projects by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau are helping to connect and modernize emerging markets.
“In the first half of this year, 60 percent of overseas investment by Chinese contractors went to Belt and Road partner countries,” said Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of the China International Contractors Association. “We’re seeing clear momentum toward green and renewable projects, giving a strong boost to infrastructure connectivity and sustainable growth.”
Driving Innovation and Green Growth Worldwide
Chinese investment is also gaining strength in high-tech and green industries. Sinolong New Materials, based in Xiamen, develops ultra-thin capacitor films vital to the new energy sector and now supplies clients in more than 40 countries. In 2024, the company launched its first overseas production base in Indonesia, allowing faster service to Southeast Asian customers. “This step strengthens our competitiveness and brand presence globally,” said Chairman Yang Qingjin.
By the end of 2024, Chinese investors had established 52,000 overseas enterprises across 190 countries and regions, including 19,000 in Belt and Road partner economies. About 70 percent of these businesses were profitable or breaking even — a sign of steady and sustainable growth.
In Kazakhstan, Allur Group, backed by Genertec International Holdings, has become a rising star in the local auto industry, bringing popular Chinese car brands such as JAC, Jetour, and Hongqi to local consumers.
Meanwhile in Europe, CATL, the world’s leading battery maker, unveiled its NP3.0 battery safety technology in Munich in September 2024. The company now operates three major factories in Germany, Hungary, and Spain. From battery-swapping innovations to breakthroughs in recycling, CATL is becoming an increasingly trusted partner for European automakers.
From Exporting Products to Exporting Innovation
As China’s industrial structure continues to upgrade, high-tech products, advanced equipment, and green technologies are becoming new engines of Chinese manufacturing overseas. With strong capabilities in research and development and well-established industrial clusters, Chinese enterprises are moving beyond product exports to exporting brands, capital, and know-how.
By venturing abroad, Chinese companies are not only expanding their global reach but also injecting fresh momentum into the world economy — fostering shared prosperity, deeper cooperation, and a more connected global future.
