China and Japan, under the joint effort of the two governments and their respective business elites, have enjoyed rapid and steady development in trade and investment cooperation in recent years, said Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi Wednesday.

Wu made the remarks in a meeting with Tadahiro Yoshida, president and chief executive officer of Japan's YKK Corporation, the world largest zipper manufacturer.

YKK attaches great importance to developing the Chinese market,and has successfully invested in such industries as zipper and architectural materials, she noted.

Wu said the Chinese government will continue to encourage international cooperation to set up branches and research centers in China, and will actively encourage foreign capitals to join in China's reform of state-owned enterprises and to play a role in China's strategies to revitalize old industrial bases in northeast China and develop the its western region.

Wu said she hoped that the YKK would seize the opportunity to further make and expand investments in China and promote other forms of economic and trade cooperation with China.

Yoshida briefed Wu on YKK's investment situation in China in recent years and on its future investment strategy.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning the protection of intellectual property.

Source: Xinhua