Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China reached a new record of US$82.7 billion in 2007, AFP reported. In a statement on Monday, the Chinese commerce ministry said this marked a 13.8% increase over the previous year. It is estimated that China’s economy grew by 11.5% over the same period, the fifth consecutive year growth has been higher than 10%. Analysts note that high FDI levels pose a challenge for the government as it tries to rein in the economy. Investment levels are expected to increase further this year despite fears of a US recession as investors take advantage of China’s expanding economy.