Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said Tuesday that foreign semiconductor producers are welcome to cooperate with their Chinese counterparts.

Zeng made the statement while meeting with Carlo Bozotti, chairman of Geneva-based ST Microelectronics, one of the world's largest semiconductor companies.

Zeng appreciated the investment and cooperation that ST Microelectronics made in China.

"We would like your company to make full use of China's comparative advantages, further promote the cooperation, expand the fields of cooperation and establish a long-term and stable strategic partnership, " Zeng said.

Zeng said that the Chinese government is paying high attention to the development of the semiconductor industry and priority is being given to the industry over the coming five years.

" China encourages and backs powerful foreign companies to team up with Chinese semiconductor producers in an all-round way, including product design and development, chip manufacturing, package, testing and application, so as to make up disadvantages and seek mutual benefit."

Bozotti, who is also president and chief executive officer of ST Microelectronics, briefed Zeng on the recent progress of ST Microelectronics' investment in China.

The two sides also exchanged views on how to promote the development of the Chinese semiconductor sector.

Source: Xinhua