AsianFin -- China has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a favorable business environment for foreign companies, as Vice Premier He Lifeng met with top executives from major multinational corporations, including Apple, Pfizer, Mastercard, and Cargill, on Sunday. The meetings aimed to highlight China's economic resilience and its potential for growth, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds.
According to a statement from China's commerce ministry, He also engaged with leaders from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, medical device manufacturer Medtronic, and specialty glass producer Corning. During these discussions, He emphasized China's determination to improve its business climate and attract more foreign investment.
"China will continue to enhance its business environment and welcomes increased investment from multinational companies, offering opportunities to share in the country's development," He told the business leaders. He described China's economy as "highly resilient" and "full of vitality," underscoring the nation's potential for long-term growth.
The outreach comes as Beijing seeks to bolster foreign investment amid rising geopolitical tensions and a slowing domestic economy. Policymakers are working to stimulate domestic consumption to counterbalance the impact of new U.S. tariffs, which have strained bilateral relations.
Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has imposed a 20% tariff on all Chinese goods, citing concerns over Beijing's efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. These measures have further complicated the economic relationship between the two nations.
At the China Development Forum, Chinese Premier Li Qiang echoed similar sentiments, urging countries to open their markets to address "rising instability and uncertainty" in the global economy. He also pledged to implement more proactive macroeconomic policies to support sustainable growth.
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