CSRC Chairman Announces Key Measures at Lujiazui Forum in China
China plans to speed up a series of reforms aimed at making its capital markets more open and inclusive, according to Wu Qing, Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Speaking at the 2025 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai, Wu highlighted the importance of foreign capital and institutions in the country’s financial development.
Wu announced that the CSRC would soon implement key initiatives to support foreign investment. These include improvements to the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) system, better access and operational arrangements, and the expansion of eligible products for foreign investors.
“In the near future, we will roll out a package of measures to open our capital markets to more foreign participation,” said Wu. The plan includes increasing the number of futures and options products accessible to QFIIs to 100 as quickly as possible.
New Financial Products to Aid Market Access in China
The CSRC, in cooperation with the People’s Bank of China, also plans to launch Chinese yuan foreign exchange futures. These will help financial institutions and real economy players better manage exchange rate risks. In addition, Wu confirmed that the listing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) futures and options is under active consideration.
“These steps will improve convenience for foreign capital and allow global investors to engage more deeply in China’s growth and innovation,” Wu stated.
The CSRC aims to ensure smooth access for global investors to China’s evolving markets. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to encourage capital flow, diversify financial products, and integrate more deeply with international financial systems.
Innovation and Private Equity Driving Growth
Wu also underscored the role of listed companies in driving innovation in China. In 2024, A-share listed firms invested 1.88 trillion yuan (US$262 billion) in research and development. This represented over half of the country’s total R&D spending. These companies hold one-third of all national patents.
Private equity and venture capital funds have played a crucial role in this progress. They have invested in 90% of firms listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board and the Beijing Stock Exchange. Over half of the firms on the Growth Enterprise Market also received such support.
Wu described how these companies have evolved into industry leaders or “hidden champions,” fuelling collaborative innovation across sectors. He stressed that China’s innovation ecosystem is thriving, with firms, researchers, and institutions working together to solve complex challenges.
Global Dialogue at Lujiazui Forum
The Lujiazui Forum, established in 2008, serves as a global platform for financial policy discussions and international cooperation. Named after Shanghai’s financial hub, it reflects the city’s ambition to become a top-tier international financial centre.
This year’s forum, themed “Financial opening up and cooperation for high-quality development in a changing global economy,” began on Wednesday. The two-day event gathers policymakers, regulators, and financial leaders from over ten countries and regions to discuss the future of global finance.
with inputs from Reuters