BEIJING, Feb. 13 -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang met with Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics Lee Jae-yong and President and CEO of IBM Corporation Ginni Rometty in Beijing on Thursday.

In his meeting with Lee, Wang said China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are important partners in trade and expressed his hope that Samsung, while expanding its business in China, would exert its influence and contribute more to stronger China-ROK ties.

While meeting with Rometty, Wang said China would stick to reform and opening-up, and promised to offer an open, transparent and equal competition environment for foreign investors. He said he hoped IBM would build closer and long-term strategic cooperative ties with China.

Lee and Rometty are visiting China as guests of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, respectively.