Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) is set to outpace foreign direct investment into the country for the first time in 2015, underpinning China’s long-term shift from recipient to funder. Chinese investors are also jumping into new sectors and countries. Where they once prioritised commodities-rich, less developed markets, now increasingly sophisticated Chinese investors have started targeting the services industry. This is in turn pushing them into more advanced markets.
So in the case of the resource-poor, economically advanced UK, which sectors are Chinese investors moving into? Investments in UK firms such as private equity firm Resolution Property, scientific instruments-maker Kore Technology, cereal maker Weetabix and high street retailer House of Fraser show China’s range of interests in this new investment wave.