China and the European Union should foster new growth areas in cooperation, President Xi Jinping told EU leaders on Wednesday, as they met one day before a key China-EU summit.

While the two sides are set to discuss an all-important investment treaty during the summit, Xi also called on the EU to offer more convenience to Chinese investors.

Analysts said the summit, the first between leaders of the two sides after China's leadership transition in March, will help set the direction for cooperation during the next decade.