The State Council has approved a plan to accelerate the opening-up and innovation of the entire biopharmaceutical industrial chain in the China (Jiangsu) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ). Relevant ministries and commissions are leveraging the island-wide independent customs operation in Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) to further refine its policy system. Meanwhile, Sichuan has introduced 19 measures to stabilize and promote foreign investment in the province... Recently, both the central and local governments have rolled out a steady stream of policies and measures to expand opening-up and attract foreign investment. According to interviews, these favorable policies are further strengthening foreign investors' confidence in China. Many foreign companies have announced plans to increase their investment, with particular emphasis on technology R&D centers and smart, green production bases.
Recently, the State Council approved in principle the Plan to Accelerate the Opening-up and Innovation of the Entire Biopharmaceutical Industrial Chain in the China (Jiangsu) Pilot FTZ ("the Plan" for short). The Plan outlines innovations in entry and exit supervision and expands the pilot "white list" system for importing items used in biopharmaceutical R&D. It also advances work permit and entry-exit facilitation, adopting the "one-stop acceptance and parallel approval" mechanism for foreigners' work and residence permits in China. These measures have drawn significant attention from foreign-invested enterprises in the sector.
According to an official from the Jiangsu Pilot FTZ, upon the State Council's approval, they received a surge of inquiries from companies, including leading foreign-invested enterprises in the biopharmaceutical industry, which expect policy support for their better development in China. The official also stated that the Jiangsu Pilot FTZ will review each item in the Plan, tailor implementation measures to local circumstances, and develop provincial-level supporting policies.
In addition to the Pilot FTZ piloting new initiatives in line with high-level opening-up, many regions have recently introduced targeted policies to stabilize foreign investment. For instance, the People's Government of Hainan Province convened a dedicated meeting to coordinate foreign investment and trade initiatives. The government plans to lower entry barriers for foreign capital, optimize resource allocation to enhance cost efficiency, and stabilize market expectations to protect legitimate rights, thereby encouraging foreign investment. Additionally, policy guidance will be aligned with the development of the Hainan FTP to ensure well-directed foreign investment.
The People's Government of Jiangsu Province also convened a special meeting focused on stabilizing foreign trade and investment. The government will take various measures to stabilize and optimize foreign investment, including improving the full-cycle, all-factor support mechanism for key foreign-funded projects, encouraging reinvestment of profits by foreign-invested enterprises within China, and attracting multinational corporations to establish regional headquarters and functional institutions.
Moreover, the People's Government of Sichuan Province has issued the 2025 Implementation Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment in Sichuan, outlining 19 targeted measures across four key areas. These include implementing major and key foreign-funded projects, strengthening guarantees for fair competition among foreign-invested enterprises, and expanding financing channels to support foreign investment in Sichuan.
Notably, additional measures for further opening-up are currently in development. The General Administration of Customs announced preparations for the independent customs operation in Hainan FTP, with three documents—including customs declaration specifications for "second-tier ports"—set to be released soon. The National Development and Reform Commission announced plans to address key areas of interest for foreign-funded enterprises reinvesting in China by issuing a new edition of the Catalogue of Industries for Encouraged Foreign Investment, which will direct more foreign investment into advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech industries, energy conservation, and environmental protection, as well as into the central, western, and northeastern regions of China.
These positive developments are further strengthening the confidence of foreign enterprises in investing in China. Foreign companies interviewed by the reporter expressed their intention to further expand investment in China.
A spokesperson from Swire Coca-Cola told the reporter that China's commitment to high-level opening-up has created broader opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises. "The Chinese market is full of potential and vitality. Looking ahead, Swire Coca-Cola will continue to expand its investment in China and enhance its operational capabilities."
The Zhengzhou Swire Coca-Cola expansion and reconstruction project is proceeding at a brisk pace. With a total investment of no less than RMB 900 million, the project is expected to begin operation in October this year. Additionally, Swire Coca-Cola's new plant in Suzhou and its smart, green production base in the Greater Bay Area are scheduled to commence operations next year.
BMW AG, the German automotive manufacturer, has announced plans to establish its first information technology R&D center in China, located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. According to BMW AG, the company is systematically advancing a future-oriented intelligent ecosystem in China, which will integrate core technologies such as intelligent driving systems, smart cockpits, and intelligent interaction.
Song Linbing, President of Greater China of BSH Home Appliances Pte. Ltd. stated that the company has long focused on the Chinese market, investing its entire value chain in China. "Over the next six years, we are committed to investing more than RMB 3 billion in R&D."
According to a survey released by the German Chamber of Commerce in China, 92% of German companies intend to further expand their presence in the Chinese market, with more than half planning to increase their investment in China over the next two years. According to the 2025 China Business Climate Survey Report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, nearly half of its member companies continue to rank China among their top three global investment destinations.
"Despite ongoing external uncertainties, foreign-invested enterprises remain highly confident in deepening their engagement in China. The country's vast market, comprehensive industrial system, abundant innovation resources, and favorable business environment provide exceptional opportunities for foreign investment," said Wang Guannan, spokesperson for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, in a recent statement.