Xi's Boao speech receives warm applause

Coca-Cola executive optimistic following Xi's Boao speech

The encouraging speech by President Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum strengthens Coca-Cola China's confidence and determination to further expand its footprint here, said Zhang Jiantao, vice-president of the beverage titan's China operations.

"We are proud and delighted to join again in an exciting period of China's development, and contribute to the coming reform and growth," Zhang said.

The company's continued investment and localization in the past four decades has been in tune with China's great journey of opening-up, upgrading, and unlocking its growth potential, he noted.

The directions signaled by President Xi on Tuesday indicates a country of more openness and inclusiveness, which Zhang believes is slated to provide multinational companies with even better investment conditions and development environment.

The four tangible opening-up measures unveiled in the speech would "propel Coca-Cola China to provide an expanding portfolio of products to cater to changing consumer needs and preference in the local market", he said.