China's Xi pledges equal treatment for foreign firms

“With regard to government purchases and construction projects, the Chinese government will adopt an open, transparent plan to let foreign companies and technological products enjoy equal treatment,” Xi said, according to state-run television.

Xi, who is tipped to succeed President Hu Jintao in 2013, said at an investment forum that China was taking “a serious and responsible attitude” in talks to join the World Trade Organization's Government Procurement Agreement.

The agreement, known as the GPA, regulates trade in public-sector purchases. Western nations are keen for China to join as its accession would open up its multi-billion-dollar state contracts market to foreign bidders.

China has regularly been criticized for not allowing foreign companies access to large government-backed projects.

Beijing last month submitted a revised offer to join the GPA, which deputy U.S. trade representative Demetrios Maranthis said included “significant improvements”.

The next talks on China's GPA bid are due in October, the China Daily said last month.

Xi's comments came after the European Union Chamber of Commerce said last week uneven enforcement of laws and unfair restrictions on foreign investment were deterring overseas companies from expanding their operations in China.

Surveys by the American and European chambers of commerce in recent months showed overseas companies are increasingly unhappy with the way they are treated in China.

Beijing last month urged officials to implement policies aimed at encouraging foreign investment, in an apparent response to the growing chorus of complaints from foreign governments and firms over perceived unfair policies and market restrictions.

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