BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Tuesday was hailed by the international community as encouraging and inspiring.

Dow Wilson, president and CEO of Varian Medical Systems, said: "After hearing President Xi's remarks on open world economy and shared opportunities, I have full confidence in China's development."

"I am also deeply encouraged, especially under the current global environment with uncertainties. President Xi's remarks sent a very positive and stable signal, which definitely further built up our confidence as a multinational company. We have more positive outlook in China's economic development and market potentials," said Wilson, who attended the opening ceremony.

"The grant event of CIIE speaks loud of China's opening. It shows China's promise to further reform and opening up," he said.

Pascal Soriot, CEO of the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical multinational company AstraZeneca, said Xi's speech of "Openness and Cooperation for a Shared Future" was very encouraging since it further voiced China's commitment to promoting a new round of high-level opening and sharing the development opportunity with the world.

"We believe it's a very encouraging message for both Chinese and overseas enterprises that China adheres to economic globalization and free trade," said Soriot, who listened to Xi's speech.

The speech of Xi once again released a strong signal for expanding opening and demonstrated the responsibility of China as a major nation to share China's opportunities and build a bright future with the world, Soriot said.

Professor Rafia Abbasov of Azerbaijan's National Academy of Sciences said against the backdrop of increasing uncertainties facing the world economy, Xi's speech charted the course for the international community to overcome potential crises and achieve common development.

Vernon Johnson Mwaanga, Zambia's former foreign affairs minister, hailed Xi's speech in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday, saying developing countries must be assisted to embrace the new technology through training and other means of knowledge sharing so that they are not left out.