President Xi Jinping told representatives from international business communities on Friday that “China will remain fertile land for foreign investment for a long time to come”.

His meeting was Beijing’s latest salvo in its charm offensive aimed at bringing more foreign operations – and economy-driving cash – back to China.

“I would like to reiterate here that China is firmly committed to reform and opening up,” Xi told the executives, as seen in a live YouTube broadcast by a Taiwanese media group.

He expressed “sincere gratitude” to foreign companies that have invested in and supported China, and he vowed to continue to improve the policy and legal environment favourable to foreign investment – reiterating messaging from leadership in recent months.

“Dispel doubts, strengthen confidence and come to China to develop and share in China’s development opportunities,” Xi said.

The gathering came at the end of a busy week that has featured both the China Development Forum and the Boao Forum for Asia. And some prominent corporate executives made strong commitments to China.

On Monday, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Apple CEO Tim Cook said during a meeting with commerce minister Wang Wentao that Apple would continue to increase its investment in supply chains, research and development, and social welfare in China.