China is expected to roll out an overarching list next year outlining which areas are off-limits for investment by both foreign and domestic capital, a move the central bank said will clarify market access and reduce barriers for investors. The first national-level version of China’s so-called market-access negative list will encourage the development of the non-public economy and increase market vitality, claimed Yi Gang, vice governor of the People’s Bank of China, during a forum over the weekend.
According to Reuters, the negative list is a well-recognized method for foreign capital management in China, as it defines areas in which it is forbidden to invest, and leaves sectors outside its scope open to participation. The new nationwide list will also be the first version drafted and published by the State Council, China’s cabinet, and will cover all market entities in the country, in an attempt to unify standards, Yi said.