A view of Shanghai Photo: VCG

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with a group of foreign business executives in Beijing on Saturday, noting that China's high-level opening-up during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) will create broader market opportunities for multinational companies. He welcomed foreign firms to expand investment in China and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The meeting came ahead of the China Development Forum 2026, scheduled to be held in Beijing from Sunday to Monday, which has drawn significant participation from global business leaders.

He, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with senior executives from a range of multinational corporations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, including HSBC, UBS, Louis Dreyfus Company, Siemens Healthineers, Schneider Electric, Rio Tinto, Prudential, Investor AB, Standard Chartered, Suzano and TCP, Xinhua reported.

China's economy is making steady progress while improving in quality and innovation, and the country will remain committed to expanding high-level opening-up during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), He noted. He stated that such efforts will provide broader market opportunities for multinational companies, reiterating China's welcome for foreign firms to increase investment and deepen cooperation.

Executives of the multinational companies expressed confidence in China's economic outlook and said they are willing to continue expanding their presence and investment in the Chinese market, according to Xinhua.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao also met with executives from foreign companies in Beijing on Friday, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, to discuss topics including their development and cooperation in China, according to statements released by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

During their talks, Wang and Cook exchanged views on China-US trade ties and Apple's operations and development in China.

On Friday, Wang met with David A. Ricks, chairman and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, exchanging views on China-US economic and trade relations as well as the company's business in China.

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister and also the deputy China international trade representative Ling Ji on Saturday met with Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, to discuss business cooperation, according to MOFCOM.