China Unveils 2025 Catalogue to Boost Foreign Investment in High-Tech & Green Sectors

BEIJING — December 24, 2025 — China has officially released the 2025 Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment, marking a significant policy shift aimed at stabilizing and attracting global capital. Jointly unveiled by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce, the new document is designed to align foreign investment with China’s evolving focus on high-quality development and industrial resilience.

The new catalogue will officially take effect on February 1, 2026, replacing the previous 2022 version.

Key Shifts in the 2025 Policy Framework

The updated catalogue features a substantial expansion, reflecting China's strategic shift toward self-reliance in technology and sustainability.

• Broadened Scope: The document includes a net increase of 205 items and 303 modifications compared to the 2022 version.

• Supply Chain Resilience: In the advanced manufacturing sector, the catalogue adds new items related to terminal products, high-end components, and raw materials. This is specifically intended to fortify the "Industrial Chain" and "Supply Chain" levels.

• Modern Services: Encouragement has been extended to professional services that support high-tech industries, modern logistics, and environmental consulting.

• Sustainability Focus: Significant emphasis is placed on energy conservation and environmental protection, incentivizing global firms to bring green technologies to the Chinese market.

Strategic Regional Guidance

A core objective of the 2025 catalogue is to bridge the economic gap between coastal and inland regions. The NDRC has outlined specific incentives for foreign firms that move beyond traditional hubs.

1. Central and Western Regions: Increased support for infrastructure and resource-processing industries.

2. Northeastern Region: Guidance for foreign capital to revitalize old industrial bases through technology-intensive manufacturing.

3. Advanced Manufacturing Hubs: Encouraging the development of integrated clusters for high-tech terminal products.

Implementation Roadmap

The NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce will now begin a coordinated effort with local departments to ensure that the preferential policies—which typically include customs duty exemptions on equipment and corporate income tax breaks—are effectively delivered to eligible foreign investors.

This move is seen by global economists as a critical step in maintaining China’s attractiveness as a top global investment destination amidst a complex international geopolitical landscape.

Catalogue Comparison: 2022 vs. 2025