Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with members of the international advisory committee of the China Development Bank (CDB) led by former French prime minister Raymond Barre at Zhongnanhai on November 23.

Jiang expressed his appreciation of the efforts made by the advisors in supporting China's economic construction and reform and opening-up drive, and the development of the CDB. He said he hopes such efforts will continue on the part of advisors, all of whom are renowned political and financial figures. The China Development Bank, as the country's first policy bank, is playing an important role in promoting economic growth in China, Jiang said. Moreover, the establishment of the advisory committee enables the CDB to learn from the advanced experience of foreign countries and listen to the opinions and suggestions of the advisors, he said, describing this matter as "meaningful" for all involved.

Jiang also briefed the guests on China's economic development strategies, reform policy, current economic situation, and the development of China's western region.

Barre first recalled Jiang's recent successful visit to France, and he and the other advisors then expressed their views on China' s economy, state-owned enterprise reform, and the reform of the country's financial system.