This aerial panoramic photo taken on Sept 6, 2023 shows a view of the Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shanghai. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING — Some 7,160 new foreign-invested firms were set up across China during the first two months of this year, marking a 34.9 percent increase year-on-year, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed on Friday.

"The robust growth of 34.9 percent is the highest in nearly five years, showing that multinationals are still optimistic about the development opportunities of the Chinese market," said an official with the ministry.

FDI in the high-tech manufacturing sector jumped 10.1 percent year-on-year to 28.27 billion yuan in the two months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland in actual use stood at 215.09 billion yuan (about $30.29 billion) during the period, down 19.9 percent year-on-year.

READ MORE: Number of new foreign-invested firms rise 37% in China in 2023

"Despite a decline in FDI in the first two months, it is still the third-highest level in nearly a decade," the official said.

FDI in the high-tech manufacturing sector jumped 10.1 percent year-on-year to 28.27 billion yuan in the two months.

FDI from France, Spain and Australia increased by 585.8 percent, 399.3 percent and 144.5 percent, respectively.

READ MORE: Report: Foreign firms optimistic about Chinese market in 2024

"At present, China's favorable factors in attracting foreign investment still outweigh the unfavorable ones, and the prospect of investing in China remains bright," the official said.