In 2005, China had made a total of 6.92 billion U.S. dollars non-financial direct investment overseas, growing 25.8 percent year on year, the Ministry of Commerce has said.

In 2005, the number of registered Chinese-funded companies overseas reached 1,067, with a combined investment volume totaling 6.95 billion U.S. dollars, up 87.3 percent year on year, according to the ministry.

Hong Kong region, the Republic of Korea, Cayman Islands, Canada, Australia and the United States attract most investment from the Chinese mainland, the ministry said.

Figures show 60.3 percent of China's direct investment flowed to Asian countries and regions in 2005, 16.2 percent to Latin America, 6.9 percent to Africa, 6.7 percent to North America, 6.3 percent to Europe and 3.6 percent to Oceania.

In 2005, 29 percent of China's direct investment overseas flowed to the manufacturing sector, 28.7 percent to the mining industry, 26.3 percent to information, computer and software industry, 5.2 percent to commercial service and 3.2 percent to wholesale and retailing service.

In 2005, China spent 1.77 billion dollars in setting up new companies overseas, and 2.3 billion dollars in overseas mergers and acquisitions.

Source: Xinhua