China's FDI numbers surge in January

China's actual use of foreign direct investment surged 11.6 percent year-on-year to 102.28 billion yuan ($16.12 billion) in January, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

Analysts said the double-digit growth has demonstrated foreign investors' firm confidence in China thanks to the nation's unwavering efforts to expand high-level opening-up, pursue high-quality development and create a better development climate for enterprises.

The data came as Chinese authorities have warned of the triple pressures of demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations amid the nation's endeavors to stabilize economic growth in an increasingly complicated external environment.

"Under those challenges and uncertainties, China has stepped up efforts to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for enterprises to grow, including signing and implementing free trade agreements and other measures to expand opening-up, which has firmed up foreign investors' long-term confidence," said Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

"The enhancement of regulatory practices in emerging industries aiming to help enterprises to foray into new sectors and spur development also makes China more attractive to foreign investors," he added.

Data from the ministry showed FDI into the service sector totaled 82.3 billion yuan last month, up 12.2 percent on a yearly basis.

Investment inflows to high-tech industries increased 26.1 percent from a year ago. From this figure, investments into high-tech manufacturing and high-tech services grew by 32 and 24.6 percent, respectively.

Investments from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations expanded by 28.4 and 29.1 percent year-on-year, respectively.

Eastern, central and western regions' use of FDI increased 8.7, 46.2 and 42.2 percent, respectively.

Allan Gabor, president of Merck China and managing director of Merck Electronics China, said foreign businesses have profited a lot from the development of the Chinese economy and the company will keep investing in China.