China's investment environment has greatly improved, Zhu told more than 200 French business leaders in a speech at a meeting. The Chinese premier arrived in Paris early Thursday for a three-day official visit to France, the last leg of his current European tour, which has taken him to Austria and Denmark.

Zhu meanwhile urged companies from both sides to expand cooperation in such fields as aviation, information, biological engineering and nuclear power, where France's advanced technology and management experience could contribute much.

In addition, Zhu encouraged cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in the two countries.

The Chinese premier also praised France for its advantages in agriculture, forestry and environmental protection, calling for cooperation between China and France, two agricultural giants in the world.

Ernest-Antoine Seilliere, chief of the French businesses association organizing the meeting in honor of the Chinese premier, in his speech praised China's great changes and rapid economic growth, and expressed French companies' interest in the huge market in China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2002)