Executives from Apple (AAPL), Pfizer (PFE) and other companies were assured by Chinese politburo member and vice-premier He Lifeng that China remains a welcoming place for international businesses, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

"China will continue to expand high-level opening up to the outside world and welcome multinational companies to expand investment in China to deepen mutual benefit and win-win results," said the statement, according to Google Translate.

The evening meeting with the heads of the multinational companies was described as an opportunity to "exchange views on the global and Chinese economic situation, Sino-US economic and trade cooperation, and expanding investment in China," the statement said.

Executives from Brookfield Asset Management (BAM), Medtronic (MDT), Mastercard (MA), Eli Lilly (LLY), Corning (GLW) and Cargill were also present in the meeting.

Lifeng also told the executives that "China's economy is resilient, has great potential, and is full of vitality," according to the statement.

The companies did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.