Editorials

Activating investment

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-08 07:28

As more than 1,500 overseas investors and policymakers are gathering in Xiamen, Fujian province in East China, seeking effective solutions for sustainable and environmentally friendly investment, the on-going Second World Investment Forum (WIF) is expected to shed light into the post-crisis global economy.

China is willing to contribute to this process and play a role in strong, sustained and balanced global economic recovery.

Organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the four-day conference, which started on Tuesday, is being held at a critical juncture as the global economic recovery still remains fragile and may easily be crippled by the growing consequences of climate change.

Given the role of investment as an engine of growth and development, it is imperative for investors internationally to conduct responsible investment and adhere to corporate sustainability. Governments and businesses should encourage investments that could both stimulate the economy and address energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Vice-President Xi Jinping reassured the WIF participants that China is taking vigorous steps to create a more open and optimal environment for foreign-invested enterprises.

Foreign investment has played an important part in China's opening-up policy over the past 30 years. In return, overseas investors have also been rewarded for investing in the Chinese market. Many foreign-invested enterprises in China have become the growth engine and profit center for their parent companies' global business.

According to the latest UNCTAD survey, China remains the most appealing destination for investment in the world. The country will make every effort to cultivate such a win-win trend. On the other hand, as the country now assumes the role as the fifth largest global investor, Chinese companies should steadily expand overseas investment, especially in underdeveloped countries.

(China Daily 09/08/2010 page8)