BEIJING -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan met with newly-appointed Samsung Electronics CEO Oh-Hyun Kwon in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang praised the cooperation potential embedded in the relationship between China and the Republic of Korea, saying there was a deal inked in May to protect investments among China, Japan and the ROK, and China and the ROK have already launched governmental negotiations for a free-trade zone.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic relations, which have enjoyed sound development momentum. Under such circumstances, the two business circles are facing new opportunities for cooperation and trade, said Wang.

China and the ROK should advance cooperation in areas such as electronics, communications, auto production, new energy, biotechnology and infrastructure, he said.

China will create a sound business environment for foreign companies operating in China, he added.

Kwon, who was named CEO of the world-leading electronics maker in June, expressed confidence in Samsung Electronics' business in China, and said the company will expand investment in and cooperation with China.