2026 Government Work Report — FDI & Opening-Up Priorities
Published: March 5, 2026
Executive Summary
China's 2026 Government Work Report sets ambitious targets for foreign investment and economic opening. GDP growth target of ~5%, consumer price increase ~2%, deficit-to-GDP ratio of 4%. The report emphasizes "high-quality development" and "new quality productive forces" as key themes for foreign investment policy through 2030.
Key Points
GDP growth target of ~5% with ~12 million new urban jobs
Deficit-to-GDP ratio raised to 4% — highest in decades — signaling fiscal expansion
"New quality productive forces" prioritized: AI, biomanufacturing, quantum computing, commercial spaceflight
Foreign investment specifically called out as vehicle for technology transfer and industrial upgrading
"Invest in China" brand elevated to national strategic priority
Manufacturing and services opening to accelerate, negative list to shorten further