Switzerland can play a special role in international affairs, and China is willing to enhance cooperation with the Alpine country in bilateral and multilateral fields, Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said on Thursday.

Zeng, who is in Davos to attend the 2006 World Economic Forum, made the remarks in a meeting with Swiss President Moritz Leuenberger.

He briefed Leuenberger on China's future development strategies and its reform and opening policy.

"China has great market potential, while Switzerland has advanced technology in finance, medicine, machinery and environmental protection," the vice premier said, adding that the two countries should strengthen their cooperation in these fields.

"We sincerely welcome Swiss companies to do business in China, so the two sides can push their trade and investment cooperation to a new level," he said.

Zeng also praised Switzerland's support for the one-China policy.

Leuenberger, for his part, praised China's achievements in opening-up and economic development.

He also expressed hope that the two countries would further enhance their cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields.

The 2006 World Economic Forum opened on Wednesday with the theme of "Creative Imperative."

Some 2,200 world political and economic leaders will discuss such topics as how to solve current problems with creative thoughts during the five-day event.

Created in 1971 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World

Economic Forum describes itself as a global community of business, political, intellectual and other leaders of society committed to improving the state of the world.

Earlier on Thursday, Zeng also met with founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab.

Source: Xinhua