Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju said Sunday in Zurich, Switzerland, that foreign businesses are welcomed to continue their participation in China's growth and development.

The Chinese government would provide vigorous support for foreign businesses, including those from Switzerland, to invest in China's infrastructure and high-tech industries, the vice premier said during his visits to ABB Group and the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS).

The ABB is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of power and automation equipment while the UBS is one of the world's leading financial firms.

Huang, who is also a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, stressed that there is no fundamental change in China's policy to encourage and promote foreign investment.

The Chinese leader arrived in Switzerland on Friday to attend the 2005 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum held in the eastern Swiss town of Davos.

Addressing a breakfast meeting in Davos hosted by the International Business Council on Saturday, Vice Premier Huang hammered at a similar message that China welcomes foreign investment.

China has entered a crucial phase of socio-economic development and will remain firm in carrying out the policy of reform and opening up, Huang told leaders of dozens of multinationals gathering in the meeting.

The vice premier urged multinationals to expand business operations in China, set up R&D centers and regional operations across the country, and take part in the reform of China's state-owned enterprises.

He assured that China will maintain the consistency and stability of its policies designed to attract foreign investment and further improve the environment for foreign investment.

With rapid economic growth, Huang said, China has become the biggest emerging market in the world and an ideal destination for foreign investment, providing important opportunities for foreign businesses.