The conference aims to provide a platform for Chinese government officials, the investment circle and entrepreneurs at home and abroad to discuss the opportunities and challenges in China after its entry into WTO.

Chen Jinhua, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairman of the organizing committee of the conference, said in his opening address: "China's entry into the World Trade Organization is compatible with China's goal of reform and opening-up as well as China's active participation in economic globalization."

Representatives agreed that China's entry into WTO will boost the nation's economic development, push forward its economic reforms and make the best, most comprehensive use of resources.

Mou Xinsheng, director of the General Administration of Customs, Zhang Xiang, vice minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, Zhou Xiaochuan, Chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission, and some other officials attended the conference.

Representatives from such global manufacturing giants as Ericsson, GE, Motorola, Boeing and Ford attended the forum, together with financial firms Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation and dozens of domestic large enterprises.

Ambassadors and business consultants from 20 countries and the European Union also attended the conference.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2001)