Foreign companies in China will be given equal treatment as that of domestic firms as Chinese. Premier Li Keqiang said the government will create a business environment that promotes fair and healthy competition.

Whether the company is wholly foreign-owned or a joint venture with local firms, Li said China will give all firms registered in the country equal treatment as he reiterated the government's commitment to further open up China through a comprehensive reform.

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The Chinese premier also urged transnational corporations to explore the opportunities created by the country's comprehensive reform by establishing a long-term and stable relationship with China.

Li made the pronouncements on the sidelines of the yearly Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).  The Boao Forum is attended by well-known local and foreign businessmen and entrepreneurs.  To further entice the foreign entrepreneurs attending the forum, Li said the government will strengthen and intensify intellectual property (IP) protection.

One of the main concerns of transnational corporations and global manufacturing firms is the issue on IP protection in China as several well-known global brands have ended up battling in court against local companies using similar design or technologies. Li, however, reaffirmed the government's efforts to ensure IP protection in China.

As China also battles the issue on air pollution in major cities, Li said the Chinese government will promote the development of clean energy industries and beef up its drive to protect the environment. He urged foreign corporations to cooperate with China by sharing technologies with their local partners to ensure modernization is carried out.

In response to Li's pronouncement, officials and representative of foreign companies joining the Boao Forum expressed their willingness to increase their investment into the country and further cooperate with the Chinese government.