No effect on MUN 's S/P !!!!!Beijing puts new limits on
foreign investment
November 9, 2007
By Benjamin Morgan
Shanghai - China has released new rules to prohibit or limit foreign investment in key industries as it seeks to cool its overheated economy and clean up its damaged environment.
State press reported yesterday that Beijing had identified sectors ranging from property and
financials to oil and rare metals that would be restricted or barred to foreign capital.
In a wide-ranging directive published late on Wednesday, the National Development and Reform Commission said overseas investment that could help China to protect the environment, cut pollution and develop
renewable energy would be encouraged, China Daily reported.
"It should give a shot in the arm to efforts to save energy and protect the environment by encouraging greener use of foreign investment," the
newspaper said in an editorial.
Investments in high technology and advanced manufacturing would also be welcome, but those in sectors where China had mature capacity would not be encouraged.
The directive is part of Beijing's efforts to restructure its export-driven economy, which has relied on state and foreign investment to drive its booming but lopsided growth.
Under the guidelines, foreigners are barred from investing in non-renewable mineral resources, such as tungsten, tin, antimony, molybdenum, and smaller oil refineries.
Refining of copper, zinc, aluminium and rare earths will be restricted, as will exploring for gold, silver and platinum.
To cool soaring property prices, limits will be placed on high-end sites like hotels and malls, as well as estate agencies. In the financial sector, the agency confirmed restrictions already in place in life insurance and
asset management.