BEIJING, March 7, 2026 — A news report from China.org.cn on China’s new efforts on further opening up:

China has entered its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) in 2026. During the annual “two sessions,” authorities set a GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent for the year. To reach this objective based on high-quality development, China will undoubtedly persist in broadening its high-standard opening-up policy and fostering constructive engagement with the global community for a shared future.

China has consistently ranked as the top contributor to global economic expansion. In 2025, despite a weak economic recovery and rising uncertainties worldwide, the country’s GDP increased by 5%, exceeding 140 trillion yuan (approximately 20 trillion U.S. dollars) for the first time. This performance highlights China’s function as a stabilizing force and driver of global economic growth. This “stability” and “growth” translate into reliability and predictability for overseas investors and multinational corporations.

Promoting shared opportunities and collective development has remained China’s guiding principle. Throughout the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the nation’s total foreign trade surpassed 200 trillion yuan, marking a 40% rise from the 13th Five-Year Plan period. China now serves as a key trading partner for more than 160 countries and regions. In 2025, trade with at least 60% of nations across all five continents grew, demonstrating an expanding global trade network. Beyond quantitative growth, “green development” and “innovation” are introducing fresh aspects to China’s high-standard opening-up strategy. Recently, Chinese battery producers such as CATL and Sunwoda have built facilities in European nations including Germany and Hungary, broadening their market reach while assisting European car manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen in developing localized supply chains—creating mutual benefits. Global firms including AstraZeneca and Schneider Electric have likewise set up major R&D hubs in China. These examples confirm that through deeper opening-up, China is strengthening its integration with other nations across industrial and innovation value chains for reciprocal advantages.

Amid decelerating global economic growth, ongoing geopolitical tensions, persistent policy uncertainties, and rising trade expenses, China is addressing these challenges through institutional opening-up, establishing itself as a safe and dependable investment destination. Measures including the progressive reduction of the foreign investment negative list, full elimination of market access barriers in manufacturing, and the continued autonomous customs operations at the Hainan Free Trade Port are making the “Invest in China” proposition increasingly attractive.

During this year’s “two sessions,” a new wave of opening-up announcements was delivered in rapid succession: China will broaden market access and open additional sectors, with particular emphasis on services. Pilot programs for opening-up will be expanded into areas such as value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, and wholly foreign-owned hospitals. The negative list for cross-border services trade will be further reduced. Enhanced national treatment for foreign-invested enterprises will be guaranteed, and an updated version of the Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment will be rolled out. These specific policy initiatives have established a more precise direction and clearer pathway for China’s high-standard opening-up.

China’s advancement has never been a solitary endeavor, but rather a collaborative symphony with the international community—emphasizing mutual benefits and collective progress. Going forward, the global community can anticipate that China will maintain its commitment to expanded openness, promote institutional opening-up, and generate continuous opportunities, partnering with other nations to navigate toward an expansive sea of shared prosperity.

China Mosaic

The 15th Five-Year Plan featuring opening up: China and the world sharing the future

SOURCE China.org.cn