BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- China's policy of actively attracting foreign investment will not change, said vice minister of commerce Ma Xiuhong Friday.

The Ministry of Commerce will keep working to maintain a good investment environment for foreign companies, said Ma during a discussion with multinational firms.

"The ministry will strengthen its communication with multinational corporations and foreign enterprises," she said.

China could provide new opportunities for foreign investors as the country is in a process of modernization, urbanization and transformation of its economic development pattern, said Ma.

She hoped that while achieving their own development goals, foreign enterprises could play a larger role in China's pursuit of scientific innovation, industrial upgrading, and more balanced regional economic development.

Representatives from 64 multinational corporations and four foreign chambers of commerce participated in the discussion. They were joined by officials from a number of Chinese government departments, including the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry and Information.

Foreign direct investment to China increased 7.7 percent year on year to 23.44 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter.