BEIJING -- China's non-financial investment in the United Sates grew fast in the first three quarters, marking a year-on-year increase of 251.1 percent, said a Chinese commerce official on Friday.

During the period, non-financial investment by Chinese investors in the United States totaled $3.08 billion, said Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao at an investment forum.

The aggregated non-financial investment in the United States stood at $14.33 billion by the end of September, said Wang.

Chinese companies are investing in more diversified sectors, ranging from energy, manufacturing to food and services, he said.

Wang said China encourages investment in the United States and expects the US government to grant the national treatment to all Chinese companies and remove unnecessary legal barriers.