China’s non-financial outbound direct investment (ODI) fell 41.8% YoY during the first eight months of the year. According to the Ministry of Commerce, during the period, Chinese companies invested in about 4,800 enterprises in 152 countries and regions. This investment was put mainly towards leasing and commercial services, manufacturing, wholesale and retail and IT sectors. On the other hand, ODI to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative stood at US$8.55 billion, accounting for 12.4% of the total ODI, and up 4.3% YoY.