Policies to boost access for foreign investment

China will further cut restrictions on foreign investment and address challenges facing foreign companies investing in its market this year, the country's top commerce official said.

The negative list, which restricts foreign investment in certain industries, will be further shortened in both its 12 pilot free trade zones and nationwide, and allow full foreign ownership in more sectors, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on Saturday.

He specifically outlined a push for foreign investment in manufacturing and high-tech industries and in central and western regions, adding that the government will help foreign companies address difficulties with investing in China.