Tesla in contact with Shanghai to build plant: MOC

BEIJING - American automaker Tesla Inc is communicating with the Shanghai government about building a plant, Gao Feng, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said Thursday.

Gao made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked to confirm whether Tesla had gained approval to build its own factory instead of a joint venture in China.

The MOC spokesman did not provide further information on the situation, but said that "the country always welcomes foreign investment, especially in high-technology, energy-saving and environment protection as well as strategic emerging industries."

"Following the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we will greatly loosen market access, open wider, spare no effort to foster a law-based, internationalized and convenient business environment, while taking increased measures to protect the legitimate rights of foreign investors," Gao added.

On Monday, Tesla opened a massive 50-stall supercharger station in Shanghai Pudong New Area, which it said is the company's largest supercharger station worldwide. Tesla's electric charging network already covers more than 170 cities in China. The company has built over 700 superchargers in the country, and that number is expected to exceed 1,000 before 2018.

As the world's largest car market, China is also the fastest-growing market for new energy vehicles as the government looks to ease pressure on its environment.