BEIJING -- Vice Premier Wang Yang on Monday met with a group of business leaders and former senior officials from the United States led by Thomas Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Wang said people-to-people exchanges have played an irreplaceable role in deepening China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, as well as promoting bilateral ties.

He also expressed hope that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce can create a favorable atmosphere for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

The U.S. delegation is visiting China to attend a meeting of business leaders and former senior officials from both countries.