China's ODI to rise by double digits

China's overseas direct investment is set to grow by double digits this year, with private companies actively expanding their global presence, a KPMG report said yesterday.

"With US$1.25 trillion in ODI expected over the next decade, China seems set to enter the fast lane as a global investor," said Vaughn Barber, KPMG's head of China outbound.

"Overseas investments are helping more Chinese companies from more sectors access new markets, and acquire experience, technology, brands and human capital necessary to become more competitive."

The new "hot" sectors for Chinese investment are agriculture and food, technology, high-end manufacturing, infrastructure and real estate, the report said.

Chinese investors invested in 6,128 overseas firms in 156 countries and regions in 2014 as outbound investment rose 14.1 percent to US$102.89 billion, Ministry of Commerce data showed in January.

Foreign direct investment in China grew slower at 1.7 percent to US$119.6 billion.

KPMG expects the strong growth in overseas direct investment to grow by double digits this year.

KPMG also said the One Belt and One Road national strategic initiative, which aims to develop China's western regions and seeks cooperation between Western and Southeast Asian countries, should promote large-scale infrastructure investment in the designated areas for at least the next five to 10 years.

KPMG said it expects to see Chinese companies participating in "high-speed rail diplomacy" and projects around the world, including as providers of debt and equity capital, suppliers of highly competitive and advanced equipment, and providers of construction services in both developing and developed countries.