Chinese premier encourages US businesses to contribute to bilateral trade

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Tuesday welcomed the US business community to share investment opportunities in China and encouraged them to contribute to bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Premier Li said China welcomed foreign companies to continue investment in the country and grasp opportunities in the fast growing service industry and transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry, to promote balanced development of economic and trade cooperation and reciprocity.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang with Ryan Lance, chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips in Beijing, June 20, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

He made the remarks while meeting with a group of US business leaders and former US officials, who are in Beijing for the ninth dialogue with their Chinese counterparts scheduled Tuesday to Wednesday.

Li said China supported free trade and fair trade, and encouraged two-way openness and fair competition of the market. He pledged to enlarge market access and improve the business environment.

"The Chinese side is willing to strengthen communication with the US business community, jointly send positive signals for the bilateral trade cooperation, and give stable and positive prospects for the market," the premier said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with US business leaders and former US officials in Beijing, June 20, 2017. /China Daily Photo

Calling trade cooperation an important cornerstone for bilateral relations, Li said the two countries shared more common interests than differences. "Bilateral relations will keep moving forward so long as the two sides improve cooperation in a principle of equality and mutual respect, and settle differences via dialogue and consultation."

The US delegates, headed by Chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips Ryan Lance, include former US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, former US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky and a group of senior business executives.

The delegation spoke positively of China's market prospects, and voiced willingness to contribute to enhancing understanding and solving differences, to promote two-way equal openness and create more growth opportunities.

(Source: Xinhua)

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