Over 18,000 foreign-invested enterprises established in China in Jan-April

In the first four months of 2025, 18,832 new foreign-invested enterprises were established across the Chinese mainland, representing a year-on-year growth of 12.1 percent, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

From January to April, foreign direct investment (FDI) on the Chinese mainland in actual use totaled 320 billion yuan (about 44 billion U.S. dollars), which was down around 11 percent year on year, according to the ministry.

The actual use of FDI during the period came in above 84 billion yuan in the manufacturing industry, and at over 231 billion yuan in the services industry.

High-tech industries were another key area attracting investment, with actual use of FDI in the sector reaching more than 96 billion yuan. 

FDI rose 137 percent in the e-commerce services sector, 86 percent in the aerospace equipment manufacturing sector, 57 percent in the chemical pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, and around 5 percent in the medical instrument and equipment manufacturing sector.

Investment from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states increased 42 percent year on year during the period, and investment from Japan rose 74 percent, as per the data released by the ministry. 

Investment from Switzerland grew by 68 percent, from the United Kingdom by 54 percent, from the Republic of Korea by 22 percent, and from Germany by 12 percent, according to the data.

Over 18,000 foreign-invested enterprises established in China in Jan-April

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market