Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming attended the welcome dinner of UNCTAD 2nd World Investment Forum (WIF) on Sep.6. Both Minister Chen and UNCTAD Secretary-general Supachai addressed at the dinner. More than 700 participants were present at the dinner, including leaders of foreign countries, governmental officials, private investors, executives of enterprises, and officials from relevant international organizations.

Chen stated that the world economy was recovering in the turns and twists and the flow of international capital was gradually accelerating. Meanwhile, there is great uncertainty in the development of the world economy and the investment in virtue of the coexistence of challenges and opportunities. Therefore, it is significant to hold the 2nd WIF against this background.

According to Chen, China, among all developing countries, has kept ranking first in absorbing foreign investment for consecutive 18 years and has comes to the experience of absorbing investment by building up sound environment. With constant opening-up and innovation of Chinese special economic zones and open coastal cities in past 30 years, China now is willing to share its experience in improving foreign investment environment with developing countries and also hopes that the international community can help developing countries improve their investment environment.

Chen hoped that all sides could contribute to make in-depth analysis and discussion on current global investment problems so as to find out effective ways to promote sustainable development of the international investment and the overall recovery of the world economy.

Supachai stated in his speech that the 2nd WIF, as a unique communication platform for leaders of different countries, senior policy practitioners, executives of enterprises, investors and investment promotion organizations, would help countries further understand opportunities and challenges faced by all countries, particularly by developing countries in post-crisis era.

The opening ceremony of WIF 2010 will be held on September 7. The WIF of UNCTAD is held biennially. And the first WIF was held in 2008 in Ghana.