China publishes the new negative lists for foreign investments
The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce have jointly published this June 30th the two updated negative lists for foreign investments in the territory of Mainland China, one applicable to free trade zones and the other one applicable to the rest of the country.
The negative lists outline the sectors and the businesses in which foreign investment is restrained.
Through the newly published negative lists, China is offering a greater market access to foreign investors, reducing the sectors that are restricted and prohibited to foreigners.
The negative list for FTZ has now 37 business restricted for foreign investors (compared to 45 of the previous version). In particular the prohibition and the limitations for the investments in the following sectors have been removed:
Fishing aquatic products from waters under China’s jurisdiction and inland waters;
Exploration and mining of molybdenum, tin, antimony and fluorite;
Printing of publications;
Production of Xuan paper and Chinese ink ingot;
Construction and operation of pipeline networks for gas and heat in cities with the population over 500,000 persons;
Domestic shipping agency;
Development of wildlife resources originating in China under State protection; and
Construction and operation of cinemas;
In addition, the negative list applicable in the rest of the country has now 40 items (down from the 48 business previously listed). The following sectors have been removed from the negative list:
Exploration and exploitation of oil and natural gas;
Exploration and mining of molybdenum, tin, antimony and fluorite;
Production of Xuan paper and Chinese ink ingot;
Construction and operation of pipeline networks for gas and heat in cities with the population over 500,000 persons;
Domestic shipping agency;
Development of wildlife resources originating in China under State protection;
Construction and operation of cinemas; and
Performance brokers.
Here below the new updated negative lists: