New | ‘Just say open sesame’: Doors to the Chinese market will always be open to US companies, says Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured American business leaders that the doors to China’s market would always open for them – like those of the cave in the classic story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

“It’s like Ali Baba – ‘open sesame’. Once it’s open, it won’t be closed,” Xi said.

The president was speaking during his meeting on Wednesday with a group of US and Chinese business leaders representing US$3 trillion in market value. Those present included billionaire investor Warren Buffett, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

WATCH: China's president seeks to reassure US CEOs, politicians 

Xi also urged more American companies to set up their regional headquarters in China.

“We support large American businesses in setting up regional headquarters or research and development centres in China, and encourage more small- and medium-sized companies to expand businesses in China. Meanwhile, China will keep increasing its investment in the United States,” he said.