Reduces restricted activities in market access negative list
16 Apr 2025
On 16 April 2025, China announced the 2025 edition of the nationwide market access Negative List, which sets out sectors and activities restricted to both domestic and foreign business entities, following approval by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. Replacing the version issued on 12 March 2022, the list reduces the number of restricted activities from 117 to 106 across 21 industries, with six categories fully prohibited and the remainder subject to Government approval for market entry.
The finance sector saw the largest reduction, with restricted items cut from nine to three, including the removal of Government approval requirements for the appointment of senior executives in certain financial institutions. Beyond finance, approval requirements have been lifted for selected activities in agriculture, manufacturing, environmental protection, broadcasting and television, pharmaceuticals, and emerging telecommunications services.
Nature of measure:
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Liberalization
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Other regulatory changes
Type:
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Entry and establishment (Approval and admission - other)
Industry:
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Primary (Agriculture, forestry and fishing)
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Manufacturing (Manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products, Manufacture of transport equipment)
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Services (Publishing, audiovisual and broadcasting activities, Telecommunications, Financial and insurance activities, Scientific research and development)
Inward FDI:
Yes
Outward FDI:
No
Sources:
