BEIJING - China welcomes foreign investment in high-tech industries, says the draft of the country's 12th Five-Year Plan submitted Saturday to the National People's Congress for reviewing.

Foreign investment is also welcomed in sectors of modern agriculture, advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient and environmental protection, new energy, modern services, particularly in central and west China, the draft plan said.

Foreign companies are encouraged to participate in the merger and acquisition of domestic enterprises and build research and development centers in China, it says.