Prudential Share News (PRU)

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, UBS, Louis ​Dreyfus, ‌Siemens Healthineers, Schneider Electric, Rio Tinto, Prudential, Investor AB, Standard Chartered, Suzano 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.