Beijing Reports 69.6% Surge in Utilized Foreign Capital in First Seven Months

Beijing recorded a 69.6 percent year-on-year increase in actual utilized foreign capital across the first seven months of the year, alongside record highs in both goods and services exports, according to municipal authorities speaking at a State Council Information Office briefing. Beijing Vice Mayor Tang Wenhong stated that the capital intends to deepen its institutional opening initiatives, accelerate the development of service-sector pilot zones, and leverage artificial intelligence and robotics as core drivers for municipal foreign trade heading into the next national planning period.

The sharp increase in Beijing's utilized foreign investment, alongside simultaneous highs in goods and services trade, points to resilient international commercial engagement in the capital despite broader global headwinds. By positioning artificial intelligence and robotics at the center of its foreign trade strategy, municipal authorities are attempting to anchor external trade in high-value, technology-driven sectors rather than traditional manufacturing.

Beijing recorded a 69.6 percent year-on-year increase in actual utilized foreign capital during the first seven months of the year, according to figures shared by Beijing Vice Mayor Tang Wenhong at a State Council Information Office press conference on August 28. Tang noted that export volumes for both goods and services in the municipality achieved record highs over the same period, reflecting expanding commercial links in external trade. Looking ahead to China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, Tang outlined the capital's intention to broaden autonomous opening-up measures. The municipality plans to upgrade its comprehensive demonstration zone for opening up the service sector, while also advancing the construction of pilot free trade zones and linked development areas. According to Tang, these institutional innovations are designed to empower the development of new productive forces across key economic sectors. Municipal planners aim to build directly on Beijing's established base in technological innovation and the digital economy. Tang highlighted plans to promote emerging fields, specifically artificial intelligence and robotics, to serve as primary growth engines for the city's foreign trade expansion. These efforts will coincide with high-standard construction of national demonstration zones focused on service trade innovation and digital trade development. Tang also underscored the importance of advancing two-way investment cooperation. Beijing intends to support foreign-invested enterprises in integrating more deeply into the capital's modern industrial system, while continuing to strengthen the Beijing overseas comprehensive service platform. The platform is intended to enhance the quality and effectiveness of outward investments while fostering broader, mutually beneficial international partnerships.