BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin on Friday called on multinational companies to enhance cooperation with each other and with governments amid global economic uncertainties.
Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during the fifth International CEO Roundtable of Chinese and Foreign Multinational Corporations, which lasts from Friday to Saturday.
The roundtable, first held in 2007, is an international, large-scale and high-level conference approved by China's Ministry of Commerce, and supported by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
"The conference has become an important platform for multinational companies to exchange views, and also serves as a dialogue mechanism between governments and companies," Jia said.
Multinational companies have played an increasingly important role in the world economy with the deepening of economic globalization. They have also become a powerful engine in driving the global economic development, according to Jia.
However, he noted that the world economy is facing a lot of challenges as the international financial crisis is far from over and the European Union remains mired in debt crisis.
Despite challenges faced by multinational companies, these economic uncertainties may also present opportunities for them, Jia said.
"China cannot develop itself in isolation from the world, and the world cannot achieve prosperity and stability without China," Jia said.
The country will continue to adhere to the strategy of opening up to the outside world and further promote cooperation between Chinese and foreign companies, he said.
Jia also urged Chinese and foreign multinational enterprises to increase two-way investment, raise cooperation level and better fulfill social responsibility.
