Experts say foreign investment to remain robust

BEIJING - Pressures that foreign companies may face in China for pay rises will not dampen their confidence about investing in the country, with the nation set to welcome a new wave of foreign direct investment (FDI) this year, according to a think-tank of the Ministry of Commerce.

Wang Zhile, director of the research center on transnational corporations under the ministry, predicted that China's FDI will "surpass $100 billion" this year.

His remarks were made in response to growing concern that China is losing its charm as a destination for foreign investment as some international companies are reportedly considering moving plants to cheaper Asian markets. This follows calls for higher pay at some factories of overseas investors including Foxconn and Honda in southern China.