(Yicai Global) July 16 -- Chinese people and institutions put CNY346.8 billion (USD50.4 billion) into foreign  direct investment in the first half of this year, 0.1 percent more than  during the same period of last year, according to the commerce  ministry. 

Some 30.3 percent of the  sum went to the leasing and commercial services sector, Han Yong, a  deputy director at the department of outward investment and economic  cooperation, said at a press conference today. Eighteen percent of the  total targeted manufacturing. Other large investment fields included  wholesale, retail, mining, telecoms, software, and internet technology  services, Han added. 

The sectors of property development, sports, and entertainment had no new investment projects during the six months, he added. 

Editor: Emmi Laine