China's foreign trade grew at its weakest pace in the past two years since the opening-up of the economy began some three decades ago, but its share of global trade and outbound investment is still rising, a senior commerce official said.

"Compared with inbound investment, China's outbound investment is expected to take off in the coming years," said Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng during an interview at the ministry's annual meeting on Friday.

Gao said China's total outbound investment is expected to reach $90 billion this year, a year-on-year increase of 15 percent.