Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Saturday asked government departments to protect legitimate interests of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and create favorable conditions for their investment.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with representatives of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs.

He said overseas Chinese have made great contributions to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

As China continues economic reform, more overseas Chinese entrepreneurs are coming back to the country with increased investment, he said, adding that investment has become an important part of China's economy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2008)