She made the remark at a seminar attended by entrepreneurs from almost 80 multinational companies in China.

Representatives from the China branches of 20 companies, including Siemens, Sony, General Electric and ABB, expressed their views on how to improve the investment environment, reform the examination and approval system, and protect intellectual property.

Wu expressed appreciation for the support and trust of the foreign companies to the Chinese government when severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) broke out.

She said many foreign companies had cooperated with the Chinese government to fight SARS in their own companies. Meanwhile, they had continued to do their own business and donated money to help prevent and treat SARS.

"Facts show that the Chinese government is capable of ensuring the health and security of foreign investors, and China is still one of the most attractive regions of the world for foreign investors," Wu said.

She noted that China will maintain "consistent" and "stable" policies for foreign investors, and will improve the legal system according to international practice and the commitment China has made to the World Trade Organization.

Wu vowed to open more areas to foreign investors and continue to promote the openness of the service industry and trade.

She also stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property.

"There is no favorable investment environment without the protection of the intellectual property of the foreign enterprises," she added.

Wu assured the participants that the Chinese government will work hard to provide foreign investors with stable and transparent policy, open market and standard administration.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2003)