China Daily:

How is China encouraging foreign enterprises to participate in China's high-quality development, especially in the green economy, digital economy and healthcare industry? Is there any specific measure or policy to support foreign enterprises' investment in these fields? Thank you.

Wu Hao:

Thanks for your questions. The green economy, digital economy and healthcare industry are key areas related to new types of consumption to be cultivated as is proposed in this year's government work report. They are also fields with huge potential and hot spots for global cross-border investment. The NDRC is working with relevant parties in this regard. Mr. Hua will give you a detailed introduction.

Hua Zhong:

Thank you, Mr. Wu, and thanks for the questions from China Daily. The NDRC is working with relevant departments on introducing effective measures to encourage and support foreign enterprises' investments in China's green economy, digital economy and healthcare industry, so as to share with them the great opportunities in the country's mega-market.

First, we have launched trials for market access. The action plan proposed that pilot free trade zones (FTZs) in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong be allowed to open up fields including the development and application of genetic diagnosis and treatment technologies, on a trial basis, to a few qualified foreign-invested enterprises, and that opening-up measures in information services (app stores only) achieve desired effects in the FTZs. The NDRC will work with relevant departments to effectively implement relevant polices.

Second, we have upgraded services for major foreign-funded projects. Together with relevant departments and provincial governments, the NDRC established a special working group mechanism to accelerate the implementation of major foreign-funded projects by promoting coordination to resolve issues related to project planning, approval, land use, sea use, environmental assessment and energy consumption. For major foreign-funded projects in the green economy, digital economy and healthcare industry, the mechanism will provide whole life cycle service and open green channel to facilitate their early implementation. As of the end of February, a number of such projects, which were listed in the first seven batches of 51 major foreign investment projects, had already started construction and operation in China. 

Last, we have introduced more supportive polices. In recent years, the Chinese government has initiated a series of policies, including the Catalogue for Guiding Industries in Green and Low-carbon Transition (2024 Edition), Three Year Action Plan for "Data Factors x" (2024-2026), and Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy to Enhance the Well-being of the Elderly. Measures have also been introduced to provide financial support for enterprises, including foreign-invested ones, when they invest in the green economy, digital economy and healthcare industry. When amending the Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment , we fully considered the needs of digital logistics, intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine, energy conservation and environmental protection, and other fields. Thank you.