China Rises to Fifth in Oubound Direct Investment
By wchung | 15 Mar, 2026

The $56.5 billion China invested overseas in 2009 makes it the world’s fifth largest global investor, reports China Daily citing the Ministry of Commerce. In 2008 China had ranked 12th in outbound direct investment (ODI). For 2010 China’s ODI is expected to grow to $60 bil.

China’s 1.1% growth in ODI contrasted sharply against the 40% contraction in global foreign investments during 2009. It was the 8th consecutive year of growth for China’s ODI. China accounts for 5.1% of total global outbound investment of $1.1 trillion in 2009.

Foreign investment into China is growing at a faster pace, jumping from $90 bil. in 2009 to a projected total of well over $100 bil. this year. These increases reflect China growing importance to the global economy. The trend is expected to accelerate. In the month of July alone, China’s ODI was $8.91 bil.

The United States remains the world’s largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), including from China. Over $325.3 bil. in FDI flowed into the United States in 2008, a 37% jump from 2007.

XIAMEN, Fujian