Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said on Thursday China encouraged foreign companies, including Hewlett-Packard (HP), to enlarge their business in the country.

"The Chinese government will continue its reform and opening-up policy, and support HP and other foreign companies to expand investment and cooperation in China," he said in a meeting with Mark Hurd, chairman and chief executive officer of HP.

Zhang praised HP for expanding its investment in China's western region, calling it a "win-win deal."

Hurd said the California-based HP viewed China as an important component in its global strategy. It would enhance its investment and cooperation within the Chinese electric and information industry circle.

HP, founded in 1939, is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries worldwide.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)