Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday pledged further efforts to open up the Chinese market to foreign investments as the country continues to adhere to its principle of peace and development.

"China will open its doors wider and wider to foreign investors," Xi made the remarks in his meeting with former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in Beijing. 

Hailing China's strong willingness to expand trade and cooperation with countries all over the world, Xi welcomed foreign countries and enterprises to seize the great opportunity of China's development to achieve mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

He also said John Key has made positive contributions to the bilateral ties between China and New Zealand, which was established 47 years ago and had always been at the forefront among relationships between China and Western countries.

Congratulating China on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), John Key said China's development is an opportunity for the world.

He praised Xi's great leadership and expressed his confidence in the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), pledging to continue contributing to New Zealand's friendship and cooperation with China.