Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said Wednesday in Paris that French entrepreneurs are welcome to participate in the building of China's railways and aviation industries.

China hopes French entrepreneurs to conduct long-term cooperation of mutual benefit with their Chinese counterparts through technology transfer and joint development, he said while

meeting with French Minister of Transport, Tourism and Maritime Affairs Gilles de Robien.

The growth of the all-round strategic partnership between China and France has laid a firm basis for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Zeng said, adding that cooperation in the areas of railways and aviation is a major component of Sino-French economic and trade ties.

The Chinese vice premier arrived here Monday for a five-day official visit.

For his part, de Robien said French firms are closely following China's economic development process.

He said his government encourages French firms to boost cooperation with China in areas like railways and aviation.

De Robien also expressed his regret over the May 23 Paris Charles de Gaulle airport roof collapse, which claimed four lives, including two Chinese nationals.

Source: Xinhua