China US Photo:VCG

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Friday called on the business communities in China and the US to consolidate the foundation of their friendship and mutual trust and expand cooperation scope.

Han made the remarks when attending the annual appreciation dinner of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) in Beijing at invitation. Approximately 500 representatives from Chinese and American businesses attended the event. 

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and US, Han remarked that the business circles of the two countries are participants, witnesses and contributors to the bilateral cooperation, and will be pioneers in the future, Xinhua News Agency reported on Saturday.

Han said the Chinese economy has strong resilience, potential and vast room to grow. China will unswervingly expand opening up at a high level, continue to reduce the negative list for foreign investment access, effectively guarantee the national treatment for foreign enterprises, and foster a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment to provide more opportunities for foreign companies to develop in China, Han said.

Han welcomed more US companies to invest and develop in China, calling on AmCham China to keep in mind its original intention and forge ahead, strengthen communication with the Chinese organizations, and jointly push for more results in China-US economic and trade cooperation.

US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns said in a speech at the event that "China remains the number two source of imports to the US of any countries in the world, and the number three destination point for exports from the US."

"As President Biden, Secretary of the Treasury Yellen, Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Raimondo and I have all made clear publically, the US wants to keep trade going forward with China. We are not seeking the decoupling of these two major global economies," Burns said.

There are increasing signs of improved engagement between the Chinese and US business communities, sending positive signals for economic ties between the two countries. One of the latest examples was the visit by the delegation led by the US Chamber of Commerce. During the visit from Tuesday to Thursday, the delegation held discussions with US enterprises operating in China and relevant industry associations as well as government officials.

China's continuous improvement of domestic business environment has also injected more confidence for foreign companies including the US to put more weight on Chinese booming market.

About half of US companies surveyed view China as a top three global priority despite challenges such as tense China-US relations, the AmCham in Beijing said on February 1.

American companies in China have recognized the improvement in China's economy and the continuous improvement of the business environment, which reflects the confidence of those investing in China and deepening their roots here, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday, referring to the results of the latest report from the AmCham China.

Increased engagement between China and the US is offering vital reassurance to businesses in both nations and the global community, particularly in the face of escalating global challenges, analysts said.