China stands for multilateralism, economic globalization: premier

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with representatives attending the fifth round table summit of the Global CEO Council in Beijing, capital of China, June 7, 2017. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang has reaffirmed China's stand on supporting multilateralism and advancing globalization in the direction of fairness, inclusiveness and shared benefits.

Economic globalization, liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment have promoted fair competition and innovation, which are beneficial to world peace, stability as well as balanced and sustainable development, Li said during a Wednesday meeting with some participants of the fifth round table summit of the Global CEO Council, according to a press release issued on Thursday.

The conversation between Li and the CEOs of around 20 of the world's top corporations, including Dow Chemical, Honeywell, BHP Billiton and Qualcomm, focused on regulatory reform, trade facilitation, innovation capacity building and expansion of market access.

Li briefed the CEOs on China's innovation-driven strategies, saying China will adopt regulatory measures toward new industries and business models in an inclusive and prudent way, so as to foster new growth areas and guard against risks.

China, with huge market capacity, rich human resources and upgraded industries, will provide broad space for foreign investment, said Li.

He said China will continue to ease market access and allow foreign investors easier access to key sectors via a "negative list" approach.

China will protect intellectual property rights and create a fair policy environment to become the most attractive destination for foreign investment, said the premier.

He welcomed multinational enterprises to grow together with the Chinese economy.

The entrepreneurs present at the meeting appreciated Chinese efforts in pushing forward economic globalization and trade liberalization, as well as expanding market access and creating a favorable environment for foreign investors, said the press release.

They looked to the great market potential in telecommunication, aviation, high-end manufacturing, e-commerce, logistics, tourism, bio-medical and new energy.

They both expressed full confidence in the prospect for China's development and were willing to expand their business in accordance with China's priorities, said the press release.