Similarly, Guy Dru Drury, chief representative of China NE SE Asia for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), commented that China's strong consumer base and improvements in business environment have underpinned CBI member companies' long-term optimism in the Chinese market.

Particularly, the country's progress in strengthening intellectual property protections has been very "encouraging" for British small and medium-sized CBI member companies, Drury said, as these efforts have lifted the efficiency of patent registrations and cracked down on IP infringements.

Business leaders and experts also noted at the forum that there remains ample space for cooperation between the world's two biggest economies and the so-called decoupling between China and the United States, if realized, will be very costly for both sides and the world as a whole.

The forum, aimed at providing a platform for multinationals to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities in China, was organized by China Daily's business news department and www.chinaservicesinfo.com, a platform aiming to provide foreigners with services related to investment, study, travel, work and living in China.