Foreign investors to an FIP are only allowed to contribute capital in the form of cash, either foreign currency or Renminbi.
This provides a new investment vehicle to foreign investors who may, after 1 March 2010, choose to establish business in China through a partnership enterprise, in addition to a Sino-foreign joint venture ("JV") or a wholly foreign owned enterprise ("WFOE").
Comdaq has a most thorough coverage on this site from Cameron McKenna. It says that the Measures give FIP legal status under Chinese law and provide a new investment vehicle for foreign investors. To understand all the implication you should go to the site and read the full paper.