China is stepping up efforts to attract foreign capital and deepen two-way investment cooperation, underscoring the nation's firm commitment to high-level opening-up and the vast potential of its market amid rising global protectionism and economic uncertainty, officials said.

As part of these efforts, the China International Fair for Investment and Trade has evolved into a vital platform for promoting mutual investment and showcasing China's ongoing commitment to creating a world-class business environment.

With its 25th edition to be held from Sept 8 to 11 in Xiamen, Fujian province, the fair is expected to draw growing international attention as a gateway to explore investment opportunities in China.

"We hope foreign enterprises will take this opportunity to better understand the new opportunities in China's market and witness firsthand the country's strong determination to attract foreign capital and foster mutually beneficial partnerships," said Zhao Yang, deputy director general of the Ministry of Commerce's department of foreign investment administration, during a fair-related event in Beijing.

Zhao noted that the country is now working on expanding the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment. The updated catalog is expected to include more than 200 new items, representing an increase of over 15 percent compared to the previous version.

Meanwhile, the fair has been instrumental in propelling the ongoing global efforts of Chinese enterprises and helping them achieve win-win outcomes through investment cooperation with various countries and regions.

Cao Wen, deputy director general of the ministry's outward investment and economic cooperation department, said: "By enhancing the facilitation of China's outbound investment, we are empowering Chinese companies to engage more deeply in the global industrial division of labor. This, in turn, contributes to strengthening the resilience and security of the global industrial chain," Cao said, adding that in the face of current global economic volatility, it is crucial for all countries to work together to withstand the risks and challenges, and realize shared development.

"We hope that foreign embassies will make the best use of the fair to proactively showcase their investment climates, favorable policies and attractive projects to Chinese enterprises and investors," Cao added.

China's outbound direct investment in 2024 totaled $162.8 billion, while the cumulative stock of China's overseas investment has surpassed $3 trillion, spanning 189 countries and regions around the world, the ministry said.

Lewis Neal, the United Kingdom's trade commissioner for China, said: "We see Chinese businesses succeed in the UK, and we see UK businesses succeed in China. The UK places high importance on trade and investment cooperation with China, and the wealth of opportunities presented by the Chinese market."

The UK is the guest country of honor at this year's CIFIT.

Yu Hao, deputy director of the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Commerce, said: "Both domestic and foreign participants will see a noticeable increase this year," adding that this year's CIFIT has strengthened cooperation with international organizations such as United Nations Trade and Development and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, as well as with the financial sector.

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