FDI barriers likely to be eased further

BEIJING - China will introduce steps to facilitate inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and to spur outbound direct investment, a top official from the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

The timing is right for foreign companies to make investments or increase investments in China as it would not only increase their competitive edge, but also help them tide over the global financial crisis, said Liu Zuozhang, director general of the Investment Promotion Agency under the Commerce Ministry.

"We expect local branches of multinational companies to actively and effectively communicate the significance of the Chinese market and the tremendous opportunities that exist here," said Liu.