BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Numerous multinational companies now regard investing in China as a "must" for strategic growth, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

In recent weeks, senior executives from leading multinational companies, including Apple, Eli Lilly, BASF, Volkswagen, Bosch and Al-Futtaim Group, along with representatives from business associations such as the U.S.-China Business Council, have visited China in quick succession, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian told a press conference.

During their visits, they spoke highly of China's economic resilience, innovation vitality, vast market size, and continuous improvement in business environment, the spokesperson said.

Many multinationals are increasingly positioning China as a key innovation hub for their global operations, according to the spokesperson.

She also cited the latest move by BASF, the German chemical giant, whose massive production complex in south China's Guangdong Province was put into full operation on Thursday, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

The ministry pledged efforts to facilitate cross-border data flows, boost research and development cooperation, and improve the talent introduction mechanism, to support more foreign-funded projects in taking root and delivering tangible results in China.