Outbound deals continue to gain momentum in first five months

EU, ASEAN major targets of investment from China, says Commerce Ministry

Outbound direct investment from China to the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations rose by 367.8 percent and 78.4 percent respectively during the first five months of the year, thanks to the depreciation of the euro and the "Belt and Road Initiative".

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives were put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2013, with the purpose of rejuvenating the two ancient trading routes and further opening up the markets.