From left: Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Vice-Premier Wang Yang, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, State Councilor Yang Jiechi attend a CEO roundtable on Wednesday in Washington. [PHOTO BY AMY HE / CHINA DAILY]

Chinese and US leaders held a roundtable on Wednesday with CEOs from both countries on business opportunities and concerns, as part of the 2015 US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew addressed the 12 CEOs prior to the roundtable, which was closed to the media.

Yang told the executives that their respective companies have contributed greatly to economic cooperation between the two countries.

"China is readjusting its economic structure to create jobs. Our business ties have brought about vast potential, so let us work together for new progress in economic cooperation. We hope businesses can use its influence to promote exchange and friendship between our two countries," he said.

Last year, US exports to China reached $124 billion, and Chinese direct investment in the US increased 14 times between 2007 and 2013, according to figures from the US Treasury Department.

"We value the contributions that Chinese firms are making to US growth and jobs and their continued commitment to the communities in which they are invested," Lew. "As companies in both countries evaluate new business opportunities, it is critical that they see market conditions that foster fair competition and technological innovation."

Yang said that as China continues its reforms and opening up, it will strive to create a fair and transparent legal and policy environment that is "effective and efficient" in helping level the playing field for foreign investors interested in China. "There is tremendous appeal in the Chinese market," he said.

At the same time, Chinese businesses are also contributing to the US economy, Yang said, and China hopes that the US will show openness and create a friendly environment for Chinese businesses looking for opportunities.

"That way our economic cooperation will have a still brighter future," he said.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com