China Expands Service Business Pilot Program to 9 Cities

China is expanding ⁤a pilot program designed to open ⁣its service sector to greater ​foreign ⁢investment, adding nine cities to the initiative. The ⁣move, announced⁢ January 11,⁤ 2026, signals a continued effort to attract international businesses and stimulate economic growth.

The ‍newly included cities ⁢are:

• dalian,Liaoning Province
• Wuhan,Hubei Province
• Changsha,Hunan Province
• Zhengzhou,Henan Province
• Kunming,Yunnan Province
• Xi’an,Shaanxi Province
• Nanjing,Jiangsu Province
• Hangzhou,Zhejiang Province
• Fuzhou,Fujian⁤ Province

These cities​ join the original group of seven – Beijing,Shanghai,Guangzhou,Shenzhen,Xiamen,Zhuhai,and Hainan ⁣- participating ⁤in the ‍program. The pilot project allows qualified foreign-funded ​enterprises ⁣in these‌ locations to operate ⁣in‍ sectors ‍previously ‍restricted or prohibited,including legal services,financial services,and construction engineering.

According to a statement from China’s Ministry of commerce, the expansion ‌aims to⁢ further shorten the negative list for foreign ⁤investment, improve the business habitat, and promote high-level ⁣opening-up.⁢ ⁤ The program focuses on streamlining approval processes and ensuring national treatment for foreign investors.

Experts suggest this expansion reflects ⁢China’s commitment to attracting ⁤foreign capital despite ⁣global ​economic uncertainties.However, challenges remain, ‌including navigating complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring fair competition. The long-term impact of the ‌program ⁤will depend on consistent⁢ implementation and ongoing reforms.

Further details on the program and eligible‌ sectors can be found on the Ministry of‍ Commerce website: https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/english/