In an emphatic appeal to his countrymen, Premier Li Keqiang called on Chinese overseas workers to invest in the country, and to play an increased role in strengthening cross-Straits unification.

"Overseas Chinese are welcome to invest and start their businesses in the motherland, as China is shifting from reliance on natural resources to human resources and promoting innovative industries," Li said.

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The premiere delivered his remarks during the eighth Conference for Friendship of Overseas Chinese Associations, where he expressed his deep gratitude to the more than 60 million overseas Chinese citizens worldwide.

Hosted by the State Council's Overseas Chinese Affairs Office,  the meeting, was participated in by more than 700 delegates coming from 136 countries across the globe.

"For a long time, overseas Chinese [workers] have made great achievements in their own fields and crucial contributions to China's economic and social development, and I hope you will continue to do so," Li said.

The premiere however noted that that China was facing various challenges at the domestic and international front, wherein the nation needs to establish new markets by deepening reforms and promoting innovation to achieve medium- to high-speed growth.

"China is still one of the most attractive destinations for investments, and overseas Chinese are welcome to invest in these new areas," he pointed out.

Among the participants of the meeting was He Ruyi, director of the China-US Cultural Exchanges Center.

He was responsible for organizing the welcoming ceremony in Washington for President Xi Jinping when the Chinese leader made a state visit to the United States in September.

Born in Shenyang, He has lived in Maryland since 1988, and now works for the US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

"Today, we have so many compatriots coming together and received by the premier. It was encouraging to see him, showing the importance the Chinese government attaches to us," He said, as he underscored the significant role of Chinese overseas workers in the nation's economy.

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