Numbers of the Week

326billion

China's centrally administered state-owned enterprises raked in combined profits of 326 billion yuan ($48 billion) in the first four months of this year, up 81.7 percent from one year ago, said the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.

1.06million

Taobao.com, China's largest online retail marketplace, has provided 1.06 million jobs for online business owners as of April 30, 2010, said the e-commerce website.

TO THE POINT: Foreign direct investments continue to pour into China, with the hope of cashing in on the country's vibrant economy. China regained interest in the U.S. Treasury securities in March after four months of net sales. The economy of tropical Hainan Province is taking off, but its dependence on the property sector has ignited concerns. The aviation industry has recouped its strength, with both profits and passenger traffic bouncing back. International accounting firm KPMG points to a bright prospect for China's service outsourcing industry over the next four years.

By HU YUE

Capital Destination

China has maintained its appeal to foreign investors thanks to a thriving economy and government policies to entice investors.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) rose 24.7 percent year on year to $7.35 billion in April, compared with an increase of 12.08 percent in March, said the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). This was the ninth consecutive month that witnessed FDI growth on a yearly basis.

A total of 2,047 overseas-funded companies were approved during the month, up 21.3 percent from a year earlier.

The April figure brings the FDI in the first four months to $30.79 billion, growing 20.27 percent from one year ago. At the end of March, foreign investment in China had topped $1 trillion since 1978 when China first opened its door to overseas investors, said Liu Yajun, Director of the Foreign Investment Department under the MOFCOM.

China has been one of the few countries in the world that shows an economic pulse, and provides a high level of earnings visibility to foreign investors, said Wang Lu, a senior researcher with the State Information Center.

In addition, an improving business environment has also enhanced its attractiveness to foreign investments, said Wang.

The State Council released new regulations in April to support foreign investors in hi-tech industries, services sectors, energy-saving efforts and environmental protection. It also allowed local governments to approve foreign investment projects worth up to $300 million, compared with the previous cap of $100 million.