China remains committed to long-term economic growth, offering a stable and promising investment environment for multinational corporations. Officials have emphasized the vast opportunities available for Japanese enterprises in key emerging sectors, reaffirming China’s dedication to high-level market openness.
At the “Invest in China” foreign investment policy briefing held in Tokyo on Tuesday, Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Ling Ji outlined key industries fueling China’s economic expansion. Sectors such as healthcare, elderly care, new energy, green development, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics were highlighted as priority investment areas for Japanese businesses.
Growing Market Confidence
Ling encouraged forward-thinking Japanese investors to seize the moment and engage in China’s booming industries. He pointed to China’s Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which remained above 50 in the previous month, signaling market expansion and improved economic expectations.
“China remains committed to high-level opening-up. No matter the circumstances, regardless of which country closes its doors to China, ours will stay open—and only open wider,” Ling stated.
To further attract foreign investments, China is expanding pilot programs in critical sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, and education, with planned expansions throughout 2025.
Japan-China Economic Ties Strengthen
Last week, Yasuhiro Sato, chairman of the Japan-China Investment Promotion Organization, led a Japanese delegation to China, where he met Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and engaged in discussions with Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
Sato reiterated the strong interest of Japanese companies in the Chinese market, emphasizing the continued growth of business and personnel exchanges between the two nations last year.
Visa-Free Travel to Boost Business and Tourism
To facilitate closer economic ties, China reinstated a visa-free entry policy for Japanese citizens from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Japanese travelers can stay in China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange programs, and transit.
Sato welcomed the move, predicting a surge in travel between the two countries, further strengthening bilateral engagement.
“This year marks the Year of the Snake. Just as a snake sheds its skin to grow, I hope Japan-China economic relations will continue to develop, embrace challenges, and evolve,” he remarked.
Investment Prospects Across Chinese Provinces
During the Tokyo briefing, representatives from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Liaoning Province’s Department of Commerce outlined initiatives aimed at promoting foreign investment. Officials from Liaoning, Shandong, and Zhejiang provinces introduced local investment opportunities, emphasizing their readiness for expanded collaboration.
Masayuki Sarumaru, chairman of Japan’s YKK Corp, shared insights on the company’s long-term commitment to China. YKK has been operating in China since 1992, continuously investing in new machinery and manufacturing expansions.
“We have a continuous investment in new machinery and expand our manufacturing in China,” Sarumaru stated, affirming the company’s intention to scale further operations as needed.
Optimism for China’s Real Estate Market
Japanese real estate investors also expressed interest in China’s evolving market conditions. Tanioku Shinji, executive officer at Daiwa House, attended the briefing to understand China’s latest policies on real estate investment.
Currently engaged in condominium projects in Changzhou and Suzhou, Shinji remained hopeful about the market’s future, despite widespread concerns over a prolonged real estate downturn.
“Many say the real estate market downturn will be prolonged, but to be honest, I remain hopeful—perhaps optimistically—that the situation will improve,” he commented.
China’s Commitment to Foreign Investment
With China’s continuous economic growth and policy-driven support for foreign enterprises, Japanese businesses stand to benefit from diverse investment opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy.
As China advances its initiatives for high-level market openness, Japanese investors are encouraged to leverage the country’s economic potential and participate in its evolving industries.
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