China promised more and better investment opportunities for foreign companies by further improving investment environment in the new century, visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wu Bangguo said Thursday in Zurich, Switzerland.

At a dinner hosted in his honor by the Swiss Federation of Commerce and Industry, Wu briefed prominent Swiss business people on China's economic situation and the important measures the Chinese government has taken to further integrate China's economy into the global system.

Wu said the Chinese government has expanded the scope and increased the number of pilot projects for foreign investment in the sectors of finance and insurance, commerce, foreign trade and telecommunications, thus reducing restrictions on foreign investment in these sectors.

Foreign ventures in China now enjoy expanded operation sphere, increased financial support from the Chinese government, preferential treatment in technical development and innovation, aswell as more better administration and service from the government, the vice premier said.

On China's economic situation last year, Wu said the government met its economic growth target thanks to policies designed mainly to expand domestic demand.

Considering both domestic and international factors, it is estimated that China's economic growth will maintain a strong momentum in a fairly long period in the future, Wu said.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 is expected to double that in 2001 as a result of an estimated annual average growth rate of above 7 percent.

He said by the middle of the 21st century, China's per capita gross national product (GNP) is expected to reach the level of a moderate developed country.

China has seen increasing trade links with Switzerland in recent years and the government is willing to continue to be of assistance to Swiss companies in doing business with China, Wu said.

He also noted that the two economies are highly complementary and economic cooperation between the two countries has a bright future.

In his speech, Andres Leuenberger, deputy chairman of the Swiss Federation of Commerce and Industry, welcomed Wu's visit to Switzerland and expressed the hope for closer ties between China and his country.

On Monday, Wu visited the Geneva-based Patek Philippe watch company and the headquarters of the Swiss food industry giant, Nestle, in Vevey.

Wu, who is responsible for China's industrial and communications sectors, arrived in Switzerland on Wednesday for a six-day official visit. He is expected to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Before his trip to Switzerland, he had visited Britain and Belgium. (Xinhua)