DALIAN — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua said China will continue to open wider, offer a better business environment, and bring more opportunities for foreign companies.

Hu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Northeast China’s Liaoning province from Aug 20 to 21.

The Chinese government will consistently protect the interests of foreign-funded enterprises, Hu said after hearing reports on the operation of foreign companies in the province.

Foreign companies are encouraged to expand their production and investment in China and are welcomed to share the country’s development dividends, Hu said.

In a trip to the pilot free trade zone (FTZ) of Liaoning, Hu called for opening-up at a higher level with more efforts to facilitate free trade and investment.

Hu also urged higher efficiency and lower costs for customs clearance for foreign trade companies.