Chinese President Xi Jinping was welcomed today at Beijing representatives of the world of businesses of the US, as China shows a willingness to flirt with foreign investors to boost its — comparatively — languishing economic growth.

The president “met (…) with representatives of the American business world at the Palace of the People (headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party),” according to state broadcaster CCTV, which did not immediately provide further details, such as who he did Mr. Si accepted.

However, the Reuters news agency, citing Chinese media, reported that the businessmen seen by the head of state included the president of Qualcommits president FEDEX and the founder of the resource and wealth management company Blackstone.

President Xi “took a photo with them before the start of the meeting,” CCTV said.

Today’s meeting took place the day after the conclusion of a major economic forum in Beijing, in which the heads of major foreign companies participated, among them the president and CEO of AppleTim Cook.

In June, Xi Jinping personally received Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on a visit to support China’s medical research efforts.

However, these kinds of opportunities for meetings are rather rarely given to American businessmen.

Just a handful have been received personally by the Chinese president, including Tim Cook and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Trying to reassure foreign investors

Faced with slowing growth and geopolitical tensions, China’s leadership is trying to reassure foreign investors about its economy’s prospects.

American groups based in China have for years complained of unfair competition in the country where intellectual property protection is considered lax and local companies are often given favorable treatment.

Their concerns have doubled in recent months, especially after a series of investigations and inquiries targeting American consulting firms and/or chartered accountants.

During her August visit to Beijing, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo argued for a more “predictable” business environment in China, warning that otherwise it could be seen as a very “de-risked” investment destination.

Sluggish growth

A new version of the anti-espionage law came into effect in July. It has significantly increased the room for maneuver of the Chinese authorities to deal with what they perceive as threats to national security.

Since then, many foreign companies seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude, as this law is rather vague and open to interpretation.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has targeted growth at “around 5%” of GDP this year.

This pace, although most developed economies can only dream of it, is a far cry from China’s lightning-fast expansion of a few years ago, which in recent decades propelled it to the top of the global economic pyramid.