Masterclass
Navigating China's Foreign Investment Landscape
Develop the practical knowledge to assess investment opportunities, evaluate entry options and navigate China’s evolving investment environment with greater confidence.
Masterclass
2 weeks
approx. 4 hours/ week
100% online
Open Enrollment
EUR 149
Course Overview
In this masterclass, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of China’s foreign investment management system and how the investment process is structured. By the end, you’ll be able to assess whether your organization’s intended investment in China is feasible and identify the requirements and conditions that may apply. The masterclass quickly equips you with the practical steps foreign investors must take to determine if a proposed investment is permitted. You’ll learn how to conduct an initial feasibility check and understand the regulatory considerations that influence market entry and expansion.
The masterclass begins by placing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into context, exploring its role as a major driver of China’s economic growth and the long-term impact of China’s unique FDI policies on both domestic and international companies. From there, the course examines the core elements of investing in China, including investment management, promotion, protection, and compliance with the new Foreign Investment Law.
Course Structure
Five Focused Units.
Unit 1: Introduction
The first unit provides an orientation to the course and the online learning environment. The unit does not carry credits. You are encouraged to go through the materials at their own pace to get accustomed to the online medium.
Unit 2: Placing Foreign Direct Investment in China into Perspective
Learn about the role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China’s economic reform and development. The unit examines how China’s gradual liberalization of its foreign investment regime and improvements in the investment environment contributed to the rapid growth of FDI inflows following the launch of economic reforms in 1978.
You will explore the historical development of China’s FDI policies, the significance of foreign investment to China’s economic development and the characteristics that distinguish China’s approach from other investment destinations. The unit provides the broader context needed to understand how China has evolved as a destination for international investment and how these developments have shaped the environment in which foreign companies operate.
Unit 3: Investment Management
Learn how China manages and regulates foreign investment and how the country’s investment framework has evolved into a more structured, rules-based system. The unit introduces the key principles of China’s Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, which provide the legal foundation for foreign investment in China.
You will examine the main mechanisms used to manage market access and foreign investment, including the Foreign Investment Negative Lists, Encouraged Industries, Market Access Negative List and Catalogue for Guiding Industry Restructuring. The unit also explores investment promotion, investment protection, compliance requirements and the mechanisms available for communication and dialogue between foreign investors and Chinese authorities.
Unit 4: Investment Promotion
Learn how China promotes foreign investment and the role played by government policies and institutions in attracting and supporting international investors. The unit examines the investment-promotion provisions contained in the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, together with the practical implications for foreign companies.
You will explore the measures and mechanisms used to encourage foreign investment, including the ways in which investment promotion policies can influence investment decisions, business development and the establishment or expansion of foreign-invested enterprises in China.
Unit 5: Investment Protection
Learn about the key considerations surrounding the protection of foreign investments and intellectual property rights in China. The unit examines the investment-protection principles established under China’s Foreign Investment Law and explores the continuing development of China’s intellectual property and trade-secret protection framework.
You will also consider practical challenges that foreign-invested enterprises may face, including intellectual property enforcement, trade-secret protection, differences in local implementation and procedural considerations. The unit places these issues in the broader context of foreign investors’ experiences and concerns and examines measures China has taken to strengthen investment and IP protection through legislative development and judicial practice.
Who Is This Course For?
This masterclass is designed for professionals who are involved in evaluating, establishing, managing or advising foreign investment in China, including:
- Business owners and entrepreneurs exploring investment opportunities in China
- China country managers and senior executives responsible for China operations or expansion
- International business development and market-entry professionals assessing opportunities in China
- Investment and strategy professionals evaluating China investment projects and entry strategies
- Finance and tax professionals involved in foreign-invested enterprises and investment structures
- Legal and compliance professionals supporting China investments and regulatory requirements
- Corporate development and M&A professionals assessing investment opportunities and transactions
- Government and investment promotion professionals working with foreign investors or China investment projects
Practical Tools Included
The masterclass includes practical tools designed to help participants apply their knowledge when assessing foreign investment opportunities in China:
- China Foreign Investment Assessment Checklist
- Market Access Assessment Checklist
- Foreign Investment Negative List Reference Guide
- Market Access Negative List Reference Guide
- Investment Case Study Analysis Template
Earn Your Credential
Upon successful completion of the masterclass and the required assessments, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Institute of China Studies.
Your certificate provides a formal record of your completion of the program and can be retained as part of your professional learning portfolio.
Official Recognition
Issued by the Institute for China Studies.
Digital Format
Easy to download, share and add to your profile.
Your Course Professor
Dr. Richard van Ostende, DBA
Richard van Ostende is founder of the Institute for China Studies. He combines extensive professional experience and practical expertise in corporate finance, foreign investment and business strategy.
Not Sure Where To Start?
Book a free consultation with us.
Choosing the right program or solution for your organization can be challenging. Speak with an ICS advisor to discuss your objectives, experience and requirements.
Not Sure Where To Start?
Looking for an answer?
You may find the information you need in our Frequently Asked Questions, covering programs, admission, learning pathways, certification, fees and more.
Related Courses
Continue developing your China expertise.
Related Courses
Continue developing your China expertise.
