According to the World Investment Report 2017, issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on June 7, foreign direct investment (FDI) by China soared 44% in 2016 to a record USD 183 billion.

Only the United States invested more, with an FDI figure of $299 billion.

The report also states that overall global foreign direct investment decreased by 2 % to $1.75 trillion in 2016, due to a lack of strength in global economic growth and risks in economic policies and geopolitics.

The report holds a cautiously optimistic attitude towards global foreign direct investment in 2017, predicting a 5% increase, reaching $1.8 trillion in 2017.

It says China holds a steady attraction trend for foreign investment development. The total volume of FDI into China reached $134 billion, 1% lower than the previous year, yet remaining third in the world, according to the report.

Established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues.

(China Plus June 8, 2017)