China Unveils New 1,679-Industry List to Steer Foreign Investment into High-Tech Sectors

China is rolling out the welcome mat for foreign investors—but with a new, more selective focus. Beijing has unveiled a revised catalogue of encouraged industries, signaling a clear push to channel overseas capital into the high-tech sectors it views as critical for future growth.

In a statement on Wednesday, China's Ministry of Commerce announced the updated list, which will take effect in February 2026. The new catalogue covers 1,679 industries, an increase of 205 from the previous version released in 2022.

A Pivot to Advanced Technology

The core of this revision is a strategic shift towards technologically complex and advanced sectors. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the changes are specifically aimed at guiding foreign capital into these areas. This move underscores Beijing's determination to bolster what policymakers see as the country's primary growth drivers for the coming decade.

Reshaping the Global Investment Landscape

The new catalogue is expected to have a significant impact on the strategies of multinational corporations investing in China. Foreign firms investing in the listed industries can receive benefits such as tax incentives and preferential land use. Consequently, this policy could reshape global capital flows, as investments in non-listed sectors may become less attractive, aligning foreign capital more closely with China's state-led objectives.