BOAO, Hainan, March 30 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday met with Chinese and foreign business representatives attending the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

After listening to speeches from the representatives, the premier expressed appreciation to them for their attention to and support for China's development, as well as their positive contributions.

All types of enterprises, including foreign-funded businesses, have witnessed and contributed to China's rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, Li said.

Li highlighted his hope that all entrepreneurs will play a leading role in boosting confidence and improving expectations. It should be noted that despite the current difficulties, the historical trend of economic globalization will not change, the sound fundamentals of China's economic development will not change, the general direction of reform and opening-up will not change, and the outstanding strengths of China's enormous market and complete industrial system will not change, he said.

Li said the steady progress of Chinese modernization will bring more business opportunities and development dividends to countries around the world, and inject great certainty into the global economy.

He said the Chinese government will continue to provide an improved environment and better services for the development of various enterprises. China will continue to maintain relative stability in its macro policy, take greater initiative to align high-standard international economic and trade rules and foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized.

China has always attached great importance to attracting and utilizing foreign investment, Li said, adding that China will ease market access further, expand the global-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas, and make solid progress in promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Investing in China equals choosing a better future," Li said.

The business representatives said that from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to the annual "two sessions" this year, the world has seen the Chinese government's determination to advance its high-level opening-up and the country's scientific and technological innovation, and to build a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.

They added that they are willing to participate thoroughly in promoting China's high-quality development, increase investment in China, strengthen cooperation with China in multiple fields, and remain committed to their long-term development in China.