BEIJING — China is still a popular destination for foreign investment, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said in Beijing on March 11, reiterating commitment to opening up.

“China’s business environment is improving rather than worsening,” Zhong said at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual legislative session.

He cited a World Bank report that China has moved up 18 places in the global ranking of ease of doing business in the past five years.

Overseas investment to the Chinese mainland reached $136.3 billion last year, ranking the second in the world and hitting an all-time high.

Zhong reiterated China’s commitment to opening even more to the world.

China pledged further opening up in a government work report delivered to the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress.

The government promised measures including investment facilitation, exploring opening free trade ports and offering wider access to sectors including financial services, general manufacturing, telecommunications, medical services, education, elderly care and new energy vehicles.