China
Trends in China’s Outbound Investment: Key Sources, Destinations, and Sectors
In the first eight months of 2024, China’s overseas direct investment (ODI) reached RMB 789.45 billion, a 12.5% annual increase. China’s ODI covers 189 countries, with significant investments in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, and diverse sectors like leasing and construction.
According to data from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), in the first eight months of 2024, China’s total ODI reached RMB 789.45 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.5 percent in yuan terms (US$110.99 billion in dollar terms, up 10.6 percent). Chinese investors made non-financial direct investments in 6,762 overseas enterprises across 151 countries and regions, with a total investment of RMB 669.24 billion, up 14.3percent (US$94.09 billion in dollar terms, up 12.4 percent).
This jump followed the already high ODI record in 2023. In 2023, China’s ODI flow reached US$177.29 billion, an increase of 8.7 percent from the previous year, accounting for 11.4 percent of the global total. China has ranked among the top three globally for 12 consecutive years (following the United States and Japan) and has held over a 10 percent share of the global total for eight consecutive years. By the end of 2023, China’s ODI stock stood at US$2.96 trillion, maintaining its position among the top three globally for seven consecutive years.
The investment sectors remain diverse—in 2023, China’s ODI spanned 18 sectors of the national economy. Investments in leasing and business services, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, and finance accounted for nearly 80 percent of the total for the year. Investments in the construction industry and the information transmission/software and information technology services sectors grew rapidly, with growth rates of 97.2 percent and 34.9 percent, respectively.
In this article, we delve into China’s 2023 ODI data and navigate the major trends and dynamics in China’s ODI landscape.
By the end of 2023, China’s ODI spanned 189 countries and regions, covering 80.8 percent of the globe. The distribution highlights key areas of focus across different regions.
In Asia, China had an investment stock of US$2,014.84 billion, making up 68.2percent of its global total. The majority of this was concentrated in Hong Kong (87 percent of China’s investments in Asia), with significant investments also in Singapore, Indonesia, Macao, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos.
This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
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Business
Business Update: Southern Sun Reports Earnings Growth; China Stimulates Property Market – News24
Southern Sun reports increased earnings, attributed to growth in the hospitality sector, while China’s property market receives a boost, reflecting economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
Southern Sun Earnings Surge
Southern Sun has reported a significant increase in its earnings, showcasing solid financial performance amid evolving market conditions. This growth highlights the company’s resilience and adaptability to changing consumer demands, positioning it well for future opportunities in the hospitality industry.
China’s Property Market Recovery
In a bid to rejuvenate its economy, China has introduced measures to boost its property market. These initiatives aim to stabilize real estate prices and encourage investment, which is crucial for maintaining economic momentum. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector reflects its understanding of the industry’s importance in overall economic health.
Broader Economic Implications
The rise in Southern Sun’s earnings and China’s proactive approach to revitalizing its property market indicate broader economic trends. Investors and stakeholders are keenly observing these developments, as they may signal recovery and growth opportunities in both the hospitality and real estate sectors. The collaboration between local businesses and governmental actions will be pivotal in shaping future economic landscapes.
Source : Business brief | Southern Sun sees earnings rise; China boosts its property market – News24
China
Vietnam’s Approach to China: A Balance of Cooperation and Struggle
Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy seeks a balance of cooperation and struggle with China, focusing on strengthening ties while resisting encroachments in the South China Sea through military enhancements and regional partnerships.
Vietnam’s Diplomatic Strategy
Vietnam’s diplomatic approach seeks to maintain a delicate balance between cooperation and struggle with China. While concerned about China’s growing influence, particularly in the South China Sea, Hanoi focuses on strengthening its economic and political ties. This effort involves military enhancements, fostering relationships with regional powers, and engaging in frequent political dialogues. By skillfully navigating relations with major powers, Vietnam aims to protect its sovereignty and foster stability amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Recent Developments and Implications
Hanoi’s diplomatic maneuvering has drawn attention, particularly regarding key visits like Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s August 2024 trip to China. Although there are apprehensions about a potential shift in Vietnam’s alignment due to To Lam’s background in public security and his anti-corruption initiatives, it is premature to predict any significant changes in policy. Vietnam’s leaders must continuously seek a balance between peaceful coexistence with China and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Economic Interdependence and Military Modernization
Vietnam’s strategy involves fostering economic interdependence with China while simultaneously resisting encroachments. This paradigm of “cooperation and struggle” enables Hanoi to cultivate beneficial ties in economic, political, and security domains. By leveraging its geographical advantage and connections, Vietnam enhances its economic ties while countering threats through military modernization and cooperation with regional partners. This nuanced approach allows Vietnam to welcome trade, particularly amidst shifting dynamics from the US-China trade war, ensuring continued foreign direct investment and growth in key sectors.
Source : Cooperation and struggle define Vietnam’s approach to China
China
2025 Schedule of Public Holidays in China
China’s 2025 public holiday schedule increases holidays by two days, with an 8-day Spring Festival and a 5-day Labor Day. Adjustments address public frustration, though long work periods persist. Notably, weekends are often designated as workdays to balance extended breaks.
China has released its 2025 Public Holiday schedule. Compared to 2024, the number of public holidays for all citizens has increased by two days, specifically for Lunar New Year’s Eve and May 2nd.
The announcement also clarifies the adjusted holiday arrangements, stating that the continuous work period before and after statutory holidays generally should not exceed six days, except for certain special circumstances.
According to the notice, in 2025, the Spring Festival will have an 8-day holiday, the Labor Day holiday will last 5 days, and the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival will jointly have 8 days off.
China has long been considered one of the least generous countries in terms of public holidays. Additionally, people have expressed frustration over the complicated adjustments to holiday and working days that are meant to create longer breaks. The newly introduced changes are expected to address these concerns to some extent.
Beyond the newly introduced changes, China’s 2025 public holiday schedule still features two major week-long holidays: Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year) and the National Day holiday (often called ‘Golden Week’).
In 2025, the Spring Festival falls between January 28 and February 4, and the National Day holiday, together with the Mid-Autumn Festival, fall between October 1 and 8.
Foreign human resource managers should note that Saturdays and Sundays are often marked as additional official workdays in China to compensate for long holiday breaks. For example, January 26 (Sunday) and February 8 (Saturday) are designated as workdays to partially offset the eight days off for the Spring Festival.
This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
Read the rest of the original article.