In recent years, Xi'an has become a top choice for foreign investment in western China, supported by its industrial strength, favorable business environment and development potential. Two foreign-invested projects in Xi'an — one new, one well-established — exemplify rising investor confidence and the sustained growth of foreign enterprises in the city.

Pic from Shinhan Diamond (Xi'an) Co., Ltd.

In November 2025, South Korea's Shinhan Diamond signed an agreement with Xi'an High-tech Zone for a key semiconductor consumables manufacturing project with a total investment of 250 million yuan.

Pic from LIFETEC Oriental Automotive Safety Technology (Xi'an) Co., Ltd.

LIFETEC Oriental Automotive Safety Technology (Xi'an) Co., Ltd., based in Xi'an Economic and Technological Development Zone, has achieved record performance over the past decade. In 2024, it invested 150 million euros to expand gas generator production and establish an R&D center, further boosting its presence in Xi'an.

Foreign enterprises expanding in Xi'an are drawn not only by its academic, cultural and industrial chain strengths, but also by its steadily improving investment climate.

In recent years, Xi'an has rolled out a global investment promotion strategy, integrated global resources, and broadened channels for foreign investment. It has strictly enforced the negative list for foreign investment access, introduced a full-life-cycle service system for investment projects, accelerated project implementation, and continuously improved the liberalization and facilitation of foreign investment.

"From negotiation and signing to approval and construction, staff from Xi'an High-tech Zone offered full hands-on support. They helped streamline procedures, speed up approvals, and proactively connected us with local semiconductor firms to secure sales channels early," said Jang Jae-young, head of Shinhan Diamond (Xi'an) Co., Ltd.

Manfred Suess, Vice President of Global Gas Generator Production at LIFETEC, stated that Xi'an's central location in China gives it prominent geographical advantages. More importantly, the city boasts high-quality educational resources that provide a steady supply of outstanding talent for enterprises.

In 2025, Xi'an showcased its growing appeal to international businesses by attracting 349 new foreign-invested enterprises, placing it third among China's 15 sub-provincial cities. This influx was driven by remarkable growth in key sectors, with actual foreign investment soaring by 72.6% in high-tech industries and rising 32.1% in manufacturing.

These projects have driven the high-end, intelligent and green development of Xi'an's key industries, including electronics, automotive manufacturing and semiconductors. A sound industrial ecosystem has emerged, with leading enterprises driving interaction across the industrial chain and coordinated growth between foreign and local firms.