A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said yesterday that the government would as always welcome foreign investment and that it would maintain the mutually beneficial strategy of opening-up.

Responding to questions at a regular press conference on doubts some foreign enterprises have about China's investment environment, Qin Gang said he did "not agree with such opinions."

"China will continue to welcome foreign enterprise investment and create an open, fair, transparent environment for them, providing various opportunities," Qin said.

The government was also willing to listen to their advice on investment in China.

Qin said China's large consumer base, labor resources and improving infrastructure had made it a big market that could not be neglected by entrepreneurs.

Qin said China had made more than 200 regulations or laws regarding foreign investment.

"We strictly abide by the commitments made on accession to the WTO, and have conducted comprehensive reviews and repeals of regulations that do not conform to the WTO commitments," he said.

The investment environment was becoming better and China had attracted more foreign investment than other countries for many years, Qin said.

"Individual companies' actions do not indicate that China's investment environment or opening-up policy has changed. People should view the issue from comprehensive and long-term perspectives," Qin said.

But if foreign companies violated China's laws, they would be dealt with strictly according to law, Qin said.

Qin called on foreign firms to adapt to the new situation in China, saying the market was becoming more competitive.