Full text of Chinese VP Zhang Gaoli's address at opening dinner of 2013 Fortune Global Forum

China is committed to further opening up across the board. The Chinese nation, more open-minded and with a broader vision, will vigorously absorb and learn from other civilizations. China will embrace a more active strategy to open up its market and try to build an open economic structure that is mutually beneficial, diversified yet balanced, safe and highly efficient. To achieve balanced foreign trade growth, we will attach equal importance to imports and exports and make sure that we expand imports while optimizing exports. We are firmly opposed to protectionism of all forms, and stand for liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To ensure growth, China needs the world, and the prosperity and stability of the world requires more of China's participation. A China pursuing peaceful and robust development will bring more opportunities for cooperation and an even bigger market for all countries. By the end of 2012, China had approved more than 740,000 foreign-invested companies, whose combined direct investment in China had surpassed 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars. More than 400 of the Fortune 500 companies have invested in China. The sound and ever-expanding Chinese economy will unleash great consumption and investment potential, and provide more opportunities for cooperation for foreign investors. It is expected that in the next five years China will import a total of 10 trillion U.S. dollars worth of goods, and invest 500 billion U.S. dollars in foreign countries. Chinese tourists are expected to make 400 million trips overseas. We will continue to welcome and encourage foreign entrepreneurs and companies to start their business operations in China. We will protect the legitimate rights of investors, and provide opportunities for them to share the benefits brought about by China's development as well as its reform and opening-up.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Leaders of multinational corporations and other distinguished guests participating in this forum are all important players and facilitators of global economic activities. You have conducted mutually beneficial cooperation and wide exchanges with China and contributed significantly to China's economic growth. Less than 40 miles from today's venue lies the world's oldest water conservation project, known as Dujiangyan. Built more than 2,300 years ago, the ancient project has brought blessings to the people of Sichuan for thousands of years, irrigating an immense area of arable land to this day. The story of Dujiangyan tells us that right investment will generate both immediate and long-term benefits. So let us join hands and work together to enhance cooperation for our mutual benefit and the benefit of our future generations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The hope for China's new future and renewed expectation of the people all inspire us to persevere and be resolute in our work. As an old Chinese poem reads, "A time will come for me to brave the wind and waves, and I will seize that opportunity to cross the vast ocean." We will steadfastly follow the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, work under the leadership of the CPC central Committee led by General Secretary Xi Jinping, unite as one and make pioneering and innovative efforts to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realize the Chinese dream of achieving the great renewal of the Chinese nation.

In conclusion, I wish the 2013 Fortune Global Forum great success!

Thank you very much!