He Yadong: Friends from the press, good afternoon. Welcome to the regular press conference of the Ministry of Commerce. I have no briefing to make today.

The floor is open to questions.

Shenzhen TV: During the China Development Forum, many foreign executives visited China. We noted that leaders of the Ministry of Commerce have recently met intensively with senior executives of foreign companies. Could you brief us on these meetings?

He Yadong: Recently, many senior executives of multinational companies are visiting China. Leaders of the Ministry of Commerce met with leaders of more than 20 multinational companies, including Apple, Eli Lilly, Qualcomm, Mercedes-Benz, Airbus and Cargill. They had in-depth discussions on their development and investment in China. These multinational companies, ranging from electronic information, medicine, semiconductor, to automobile, aviation and food, all believe that China, with enormous market, comprehensive production and supply chains, and scientific and technological innovation capabilities, can provide immense opportunities, and investing in China is to invest in opportunities.

During the meeting, leaders of the Ministry of Commerce said that China's economy got off to a steady start this year, and has maintained sound momentum, showing strong resilience and vitality. China has played a leading role in global innovation and development. In the face of the complex and changing international situation, China will respond to external uncertainties with greater certainty of high-level opening up, and continue to build a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment. Multinational companies are welcome to continue to invest in China, take deep roots in China, and share the development dividends of Chinese-style modernization.

Many multinational companies said that they are optimistic about China's economic development prospects and market potential because China's stability and certainty provide them with broad space for development. They are willing to expand investment in China, deepen cooperation on innovation, and provide more quality products and services to China and the world.

Going forward, MOFCOM will continue to maintain regular communication and exchanges with foreign-funded enterprises, give full play to the role of foreign enterprises roundtable and special task force to provide good services. Thank you.

Phoenix TV: It is reported that the US has agreed to hold consultations with Canada and China respectively at the WTO. Can you give us more details? Have the consultations started yet?

He Yadong: The US imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, which seriously violates WTO rules.

China has filed a complaint against the US tariff increase under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. On March 14, the US agreed to engage in consultations under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. China will proceed with follow-up procedures in accordance with WTO rules. Thank you.

CNBC: US Republican Senator Steve Daines recently visited China. Is there any progress on trade-related issues such as tariffs between China and the US?

He Yadong: With regard to the visit of Senator Daines, China has published press release that you can refer to.

The commerce departments of China and the US have maintained communication through various forms. China's position on the tariff issue is consistent. We are strongly opposed to the US unilateral imposition of tariffs on China and the attempt to use economic and trade issues as a political weapon and tool. China stands ready to engage in candid dialogue with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Thank you.