BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday called for overseas investors to maintain confidence in the future of China.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) talks to Dow Chemical Chairman, President and CEO Andrew Liveris at a meeting with entrepreneurs from various countries during the China Development Forum at the Great Hall Of The People in Beijing March 19, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

"Foreign friends should have full confidence that the orientation and policy of China's reform and opening to the outside world cannot and will not be changed," Wen told overseas delegates who attended the China Development Forum 2012 in Beijing.

Wen has met such delegates annually over the past 13 years ever since the forum was first held in 1999.

Wen said a lot of prestigious entrepreneurs, scholars and economists have kept participating in the forum over the years, which showed their confidence in China's reform, opening up and modernization, adding that the delegates have witnessed China's development and progress through their own experiences.

"Various undertakings of reform in China will continue to march forward and will never come to a halt," Wen said.

"Friendly exchanges, especially trade and economic cooperation between China and the world, will continue to strengthen and will not be weakened," he said.

More than 30 years of reform and opening up in China have proved that the growth and progress of the country cannot be separated from the world, the premier said.

"China and the world have become interdependent and inseparable so that we have to further strengthen friendship and cooperation," Wen said.

Wen called for entrepreneurs, experts and scholars from around the world to regularly make comments and give advice on China's reform and development.

"We will surely be open and inclusive to your advice," Wen said, adding that China has to be open and inclusive in order to make progress.

Andrew Liveris, co-chair of the forum, and several other overseas delegates made remarks at the meeting. Wen answered their questions.