Li pledges wider market access, stronger IPR protection   

李克强会见出席中国发展高层论坛2015年年会境外代表并座谈

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) meets with delegates attending the annual meeting of China Development Forum in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2015. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday pledged wider market access while meeting dozens of CEOs from international corporations.

"We will continue to expand market access, open the service sector wider, and strengthen intellectual property rights protection to create a stable and transparent policy environment; an efficient and normative administrative environment; and a fair market environment for foreign corporations," Li said.

He hoped foreign enterprises could benefit from China's economic growth and realize reciprocity.

Li made the remarks while meeting over a hundred CEOs, experts and scholars, who are here for the annual meeting of the China Development Forum.

He discussed China's external cooperation, social justice, industrial upgrading, prevention of financial risks, balance between supply and demand, climate change and social construction, and answered questions.

Li said China was carrying forward structural reform as the economy enters the "new normal" mode of growth. The government will streamline administration and delegate power; and provide basic living security for the people, while promoting coordinated social and economic development.

He welcomed foreign companies to participate in manufacturing industry upgrading and jointly exploit markets of the third parties.

The premier also called on other countries to ease restrictions on export of hi-tech products; advocate free trade and investment facility; and jointly oppose trade protectionism.

CEO of the Schneider Electric Jean Pascal Tricoire, said the forum was "a unique occasion for companies to understand what is happening in China and to participate in it."

He added that what happened in China had a strong impact on the world economy.

Other CEOs also expressed willingness to participate in China's reform process and hoped for stable and sustained development.

Established in 2000, the China Development Forum serves as a platform for business and academic leaders to interact with China's top decision makers and economic planners.