China will further relax market access, shorten the negative list and build high level opening-up platforms, especially in its pilot free trade zones, to put the growth of foreign direct investment on a firmer footing, the country's top commerce official said.

Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said China will continue to effectively implement the Foreign Investment Law to create a fair and transparent business environment for global companies.

Zhong pledged that China will protect intellectual property rights and protect the legitimate rights and interests of overseas businesses, as well as make sure that they are willing to invest and develop in China.

With the improvement of China's business environment, economic growth and expanded market size, the minister said he believes that smart foreign businesses surely will not give up China's huge market.