(Yicai Global) Feb. 21 -- China's non-financial outbound direct investment declined in January due to global worries of a slowdown in economic growth, as well as in terms of national safety, according to the commerce ministry.

Chinese citizens invested USD9.2 billion in over 970 companies in nearly 140 countries, Gao Feng, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said in a news briefing today, without disclosing the size of the decrease.

Expectations of a global economic downturn, as well as some nations' increased security overhaul, are some of the reasons behind the falling numbers, Gao said, adding that investment in mining industries fell over 85 percent from last year to USD550 million.

Chinese firms conducted USD1.4 billion worth of cross-border mergers and acquisitions in 10 sectors in almost 20 countries, Gao added. Manufacturing, leasing businesses, information services, as well as software were some of the most popular fields.

Editor: Emmi Laine