China got off to a strong start this year as paid-in foreign investment recorded double-digit growth in January. The figure provides the most concrete and persuasive answer to doubts as to whether China still enjoys an excellent investment climate and whether foreign investors remain confident about the country's economic development.

The rapid increase is attributed to the implementation of a series of the new Central Government's policies. Since last year, solid progress has been made in social and economic reforms advocated by the Central Government such as changing governmental functions and adjusting the economic structure. The new developments, which are conducive to expanding China's opening up, revving up its real economy, stimulating effective domestic demand and improving its investment environment, have made China more attractive to foreign investors.

At the same time, China's comprehensive advantages in attracting foreign investment have become evident, prompting more global investors to take a positive attitude toward investing in China. As the country's economy and society are stable and promising, potential domestic demand is huge. Also, its human resources are becoming increasingly competitive. In addition, local governments across China have given priority to bolstering administrative efficiency, perfecting investment facilitation measures and improving infrastructure and investment policies since last year. As a result, a growing number of multinational companies have chosen China as a major investment destination. January data show investment from the United States, South Korea, the Netherlands, Italy and Britain saw dramatic rises.

Paid-in investment from 10 Asian countries and regions reached $9.458 billion in January, up 22.16 percent year on year. Of them, investment from Hong Kong and South Korea amounted to $7.861 billion and $261 million, up 37.69 percent and 197.92 percent respectively. Investment from the United States hit $369 million, up 34.9 percent. Investment from 28 European Union member states reached $482 million, down 41.25 percent from a year earlier.

Moreover, soaring investment in China's service industry greatly boosted overall foreign investment growth. In January, foreign investment in this industry hit a record high, reaching $6.33 billion, up 57.02 percent year on year. The growth testified to China's intensified efforts to open up its service sector and was the most direct reason for the rapid increase in foreign investment in January.

While strengthening its all-round advantages in using foreign investment, China is committed to integrating the inflow of foreign investment, technology and competent professionals. It has therefore introduced a number of projects at the high end of the global industrial chain in the fields of advanced manufacturing, modern services, energy conservation, environmental protection and modern agriculture. China is poised to continue making headway in attracting foreign investment in the coming months this year.

(The author is spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce)