Containers to be loaded on vessels for export at Qingdao Port in East China's Shandong Province File photo: IC

Global investment in January maintained stable growth in the Chinese market amid the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, as official data showed 3,485 foreign-funded enterprises were established during the period.

China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in nonfinancial sectors rose 4 percent year-on-year to 87.57 billion yuan ($12.6 billion) in the first month, maintaining last year's stable growth momentum, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Monday.

In January, foreign investment in the high-tech industry saw a large increase as FDI hit 31.35 billion yuan, an increase of 27.9 percent on a yearly basis, accounting for 35.8 percent of the country's total FDI during the same period, MOFCOM data showed.

In the high-tech sector, global investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing rose by 10.5 percent year-on-year, and by 118.9 percent in medical equipment and instrument manufacturing, according to official data.

South Korea, Japan and Singapore are among major foreign investors eyeing the Chinese market, with investment surging by 157.1 percent, 50.2 percent and 40.6 percent, respectively. 

Investment from countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 31.3 percent in January, and FDI from ASEAN members rose by 44.8 percent, MOFCOM said.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in late December has not affected foreign investors' confidence in the Chinese market. Many foreign companies told the Global Times in earlier interviews that impact from the epidemic will be short-lived and the growth potential in China's market will see robust prospects once the epidemic is contained.

The Chinese government has strengthened efforts to protect the interests of foreign investors in the country. China's new foreign investment law was enacted on March 15, 2019, by the State Council, the country's cabinet, and took effect on January 1.