China and the United States on Friday agreed they would work together in optimizing the investment environment for companies in both countries.

The consensus was reached by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo, with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, as they met representatives of both Chinese and U.S. companies in Beijing during the fourth round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED).

Wang said companies are the major player in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, and that this round of dialogue has been a success, and will definitely bring new cooperation opportunities for enterprises in each nation in the future.

Representatives of Chinese businesses at the meeting said they hope the U.S. government will create a more open and fair market environment for them, and give equal treatment in areas such as visa services, approvals as well as mergers and acquisitions.

They also voiced hope the United States will provide convenience for their investment in the country, and enhance cooperation in infrastructure building.

The vice premier said frank suggestions raised by the companies would strengthen mutual understanding.

"I hope U.S. officials in charge of economic affairs will also meet more Chinese entrepreneurs, learn of their needs and assist them with their difficulties," he said.

Dai said future development of China-U.S. relations would require continuous cooperation between Chinese and U.S. companies, which had also made great contributions to bilateral relations in the past.

Clinton and Geithner agreed cooperation between enterprises is the major part of China-U.S. relations. They said U.S. companies wish to increase exports to China and have better access to the Chinese market.

They also said the U.S. government welcomes Chinese companies investing in the United States, and pledges to improve visa services.

The annual S&ED was created in 2009 to help both nations manage their bilateral relations and promote communication.