Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reaffirmed Beijing’s pledge to further open up to foreign investment as he met with global business executives, and sought to assure them that the rights of foreign firms would be protected.

China is committed to providing foreign investors and companies with a more open and transparent business environment, along with guarantees of intellectual property rights protection and no forced technology transfers, Li told the executives the sidelines of the China Development Forum.

“China encourages the development of new technologies and industries to create space for innovation and development,” Li told the global executives.

China will not allow innovation to be “killed” just as it emerges, Li said. The premier also sought to assure the executives that China will be able to withstand pressure on its economy.

China will keep the economy growing within a reasonable range, Li said.