CHINESE Premier Li Qiang yesterday vowed efforts to further expand opening up and share China’s development opportunities with the rest of the world.

Li made the remarks during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai.

Li said that China has a population of over 1.4 billion people and a middle-income group of over 400 million people, presenting huge potential in terms of market demand.

Noting that China has always been willing to share its market opportunities, Li said the country will actively expand imports, promote coordinated development of trade in goods and services, support innovation in foreign trade formats and models, and boost digital trade.

China’s imports of goods and services are expected to reach US$17 trillion in cumulative terms in the next five years, according to him.

The premier vowed that China will continue to ease market access and implement policies to remove all restrictions on foreign investment’s access in the manufacturing sector.

China will protect foreign investors’ rights and interests in accordance with the law, and continue to provide a business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and up to international standards, Li said.

He reiterated China’s commitment to pushing forward opening up with stronger innovation momentum. “China is willing to step up cooperation with all countries in innovation, facilitate the deep integration of science and technology with the economy, promote the sharing of innovation results, and strive to remove barriers that hamper the flow of knowledge, technology, talent and other factors of innovation,” Li said.

China will continue to promote greater inclusiveness and sharing of opening up, Li said, adding that the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core is the cornerstone of economic globalization and free trade, as well as an important guarantee for the steady recovery of the world economy.

Li revealed that over 3,400 exhibitors have registered for the event this year, among whom over 200 have participated in the CIIE for six consecutive years.

(Xinhua)