China: updated the list of sensitive sectors for foreign investments
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce published a new version of the so-called “Negative List” of foreign investments in China, updated from last year’s.
In a communiqué released immediately after it was published, the NDRC emphasised that they expect the new list to leave more space for foreign investments in the Country’s industrial development and technological progress.
Nearly 80% of the new measures will come into force next 30 July and they will concern the manufacturing sector. The most significant measures are those that pave the way for more investments in high-quality, intelligent and green manufacturing.
These provisions loosen the pre-existing restrictions on foreign investments in several economic sectors, including oil and gas exploration, agriculture and mineral extraction. Furthermore, Beijing also does away with the obligation for China to have control over maritime agencies, the distribution of gas and urban heating, as well as on the film-making industry and intermediation services.