President Xi Jinping, in a meeting with Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger on Thursday, said he will encourage foreign commercial companies, groups, and individuals to invest in China and expand trade cooperation with Beijing.

Xi told Iger, who is also the vice chairman of US-China Business Council (USCBC) that he will make the process easy for foreign companies and businessmen who want to set up businesses in the mainland.

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The President pointed out that China and the US have a lot of extensive areas for cooperation citing the two nations' complementary economies.

He added the two sides should maintain and expand their mutual interests and enhance their economic cooperation.

Trade cooperation

"China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is an important part of bilateral relations. The two countries' economies are complementary and there is great potential and wide prospects for trade cooperation." Xi noted.

Xi and the Chinese business community commended the USCBC and Walt Disney for their efforts in boosting trade cooperation with China by setting up Disney's first theme park in the mainland.

President Xi said Beijing continues to advance its reforms in trade cooperation and strives to establish a more open economy.

He said economic cooperation is an integral part of China-US bilateral relations and that Beijing and Washington have continued to enjoy good trade relations over the years

Xi also reiterated that China is in full support of a US-China bilateral investment treaty and would help expedite the passage of the economic measure.

Bilateral Investment Treaty

"China is in favor of reaching a bilateral investment treaty though negotiations at an early date," Xi said.

Iger, for his part, said the US is open to early investment treaty negotiations which will help businessmen in both countries to expand their trade exchanges.

The  $5.5 billion Shanghai Disney Resort is scheduled to open on June 16.

The theme park is a joint venture of the US entertainment company, Walt Disney, and the Chinese state-backed consortium, Shanghai Shendi Group.

TagsPresident Xi Jinping, Shanghai Disney Resort, Bob Iger, foreign commercial companies, trade cooperation