BEIJING — China's non-financial outbound direct investment (ODI) reached 492.76 billion yuan in the first eight months of the year, up 7.2 percent year-on-year, official data showed on Sept 22.

In US dollar terms, the ODI rose 5.8 percent from a year ago to $75.11 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Outbound leasing and business services investment rose 25.1 percent from a year earlier to $25.13 billion.

Investment in multiple fields, including wholesale and retail, manufacturing, construction, as well as scientific research and technical services registered growth.

In the first eight months, non-financial direct investment into countries along the Belt and Road increased 8.2 percent year-on-year to $13.95 billion.