Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the 22nd pledged to further open the country’s economy and ensure that foreign companies receive treatment fully equal to that of domestic firms.

According to state media, Li stated at the “China Development Forum” held in Beijing that China will continue to improve its business environment so that companies entering the Chinese market can develop with confidence and achieve significant success, while focusing on promoting high-quality development.

Executives from Apple (AAPL.O), Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), Broadcom (AVGO.O), Siemens (SIEGn.DE), BASF, and Novartis attended the event. The attendee list published on the forum’s website did not include any executives from Japanese companies.

Li also said that China will import more high-quality goods, work with its trading partners to promote balanced trade development, and expand the “pie” of global trade. He added that China is committed to being a “cornerstone of certainty” and a “harbor of stability” for the global economy.