Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan has called for more economic cooperation between China and the rest of the world for mutual benefit.

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"China cannot achieve development in isolation; and the world needs China for development," Zeng said in a special address at the opening session of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

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The official said China had benefited a lot from the useful assistance of foreign countries since its reform and opening-up in the late 1970s.

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"At the same time, China also made contributions to the development of the world," he added, noting that China had done a lot to help other developing countries and those hit by natural disasters.

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"It is our hope that foreign entrepreneurs will seize the opportunity to expand trade with and investment in China, and continue to support and participate in the economic development of our country," he said.

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Zeng, who arrived in Davos on Wednesday, also announced that the Forum will establish a representative office in Beijing.

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"To my knowledge, it will be first outside Switzerland," he said, adding that this would help strengthen cooperation between China and the Forum and promote interaction and common development between Chinese and foreign businesses.

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Created in 1971 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum describes itself as a global community of business, political, intellectual and other leaders of society committed to improving the state of the world.

 

With the theme of "Creative Imperative", this year's annual meeting has attracted some 2,340 participants, including government leaders and CEOs.

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It will focus on such issues as world economic situation and employment.

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Zeng is expected to meet Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the Forum, on Thursday, to discuss cooperation between the organization and China.

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(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2006)