The Ministry of Commerce Wednesday said the total volume of Chinese direct investment to foreign countries, excluding investment in the field of finance, reached US$29.92 billion by the end of 2002.

Last year alone, the country's net direct investment to foreign countries totaled US$2.7 billion, according to Figures for Chinese Direct Investment to Foreign Countries issued Wednesday.

The figures also show that Chinese enterprises operating overseas reported a sales income of US$77.2 billion in cash last year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2003)