China's Vice Premier He Lifeng meets with global CEOs

SHANGHAI, March 21 (Reuters) - China's Vice Premier He Lifeng met with executives from a number of multinational firms in Beijing on Saturday, inviting them to increase investment in China and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, according to state media.

• He met with the heads of HSBC HSBA.L, UBS UBSG.S, Louis Dreyfus, Siemens Healthineers SHLG.DE, Schneider Electric SCHN.PA, Rio Tinto RIO.L, Prudential PRU.N, Investor AB INVEb.ST, Standard Chartered STAN.L, Suzano SUZB3.SA and Tencel, the official Xinhua news agency said.

• He said the world's second-largest economy has been building on steady progress, adding that during the 15th Five-Year Plan, China will create broader market opportunities for multinational companies.

• The executives said they have full confidence in the Chinese economy and are committed to further developing their presence in the country and expanding investments, according to Xinhua.

• The meeting took place at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Xinhua said. It came ahead of the China Development Forum (CDF) business event scheduled for March 22-23.