BEIJING — China's vast market has become increasingly attractive to foreign investors, and their expectations and confidence about the country remain stable, an official with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Nov 18.

"China's economy has recovered steadily, and it is still enjoying comprehensive competitive advantages in terms of supporting industries, infrastructure, human resources and business environment," MOC spokesperson Shu Jueting told a virtual press conference.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland is expected to register "double-digit growth" in 2021, and the country is capable of meeting the target of stabilizing FDI, Shu said.

FDI, in actual use, rose 17.8 percent year-on-year to 943.15 billion yuan, or $142.01 billion, in the first 10 months of the year, MOC data showed.

During the January-October period, FDI into the service sector increased 20.3 percent year-on-year, while high-tech industries saw FDI inflow soar 23.7 percent.

According to a report by the American Chamber of Commerce in China released earlier this year, two-thirds of the member enterprises surveyed said they would increase investment in China.

The US-China Business Council stated in its Member Survey 2021 that a majority of the surveyed companies have maintained profitability in China, and more than 40 percent of the companies plan to increase investment in China over the next year.