Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday, June 30, that China welcomes such renowned international companies as Microsoft to invest in China and join hands with their Chinese partners to push forward the development of China's software and information industry.

Wen made the remark during a meeting with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of the Chinese government in Beijing.

Wen said China has formulated the strategy of pursuing the route of new industrialization and promoting the process with application of information technology. In order to push forward the application of information technology and development of the information industry, China will firmly pursue the route of opening to the outside world and is ready to strengthen cooperation with all other countries in this respect.

Wen also expressed appreciation for the support that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave to social welfare and public health of China over the years.

Gates gave a brief introduction about Microsoft's operations in China and the company's implementation of the memorandum it signed with the State Development and Reform Commission.

Gates said Microsoft places importance on expansion of operations in China and will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant parties of China to achieve a win-win situation.