As of the end of 2012, China's accumulated outward FDI stock volume stood at $531.94 billion, the 13th largest in the world. China's outward FDI grew 41.6 percent annually between 2002 and 2012. The government has set a goal of increasing outward FDI at an average annual rate of 17 percent through 2015, when it is forecast to reach $150 billion. Chinese investors have established about 22,000 overseas enterprises in 179 countries and regions.

China's non-financial outward direct investment grew by 13.3 percent to $77.73 billion, accounting for 88.5 percent of the total outward FDI. Outward direct investment in financial sectors surged 65.9 percent to $10.07 billion.

China's direct investment in developed economies reached $13.51 billion. The United States received $4.05 billion in Chinese investment, an increase of 123.5 percent year on year, thus becoming the second largest overseas destination for Chinese investment, after Hong Kong.

Chinese enterprises completed 457 outward merge and acquisition (M&A) transactions valued at $43.4 billion, both record highs. The M&As covered 10 sectors, including mining, electricity, culture, manufacturing and transportation.