Charles Foster, board of director of U.S.-China Innovation Alliance (UCIA), recieves an interview with Xinhua in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 16, 2019. The fourth U.S.-China Innovation and Investment Summit kicked off Thursday in Houston, the U.S. state of Texas, bringing a new wave of technology and innovation investment to the city. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei)

HOUSTON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-China Innovation and Investment Summit (UCIS) serves as a platform to demonstrate the importance of U.S.-China relations, Charles Foster, board of director of U.S.-China Innovation Alliance (UCIA), said Thursday.

The fourth U.S.-China Innovation and Investment Summit kicked off Thursday in Houston, the U.S. state of Texas, bringing a new wave of technology and innovation investment to the city.

Jointly hosted by China Science & Technology Exchange Center (CSTEC) and UCIA, the summit attracts around 300 participants from China and the United States, including entrepreneurs and investors, to meet face-to-face in Houston.

In an interview with Xinhua, Foster said the timing of the summit is crucial as government officials and businessmen can express their views on U.S.-China relations.

"I'm pleased that it's going on particularly at this time because we're going through an uncertain period in U.S.-China relations," he said. "And because of that, I think it's even more important that all of us speak out and continue to demonstrate in various ways how important this relationship is."

Being a member of the group welcoming Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's visit in Houston in 1979, Foster strongly believed that the friendship between the United Stats and China will continue to grow.

"It is so important that both of our great countries work together collaboratively for the world economy and for world peace," He added.

The two-day conference will feature a range of events, including "INNOSTARS" preliminary competitions, innovation forums, B2B matchmaking as well as company exhibits.

The meeting will not only enable Chinese entrepreneurs to learn about the development of science and technology in the United States, but also allow for one-to-one communications with American companies. It will also showcase the advantages of different places and cities in China, providing new opportunities for international investment and cooperation.

The meeting covers four areas in science, health and technological innovations, including advanced manufacturing, biopharma and digital health & diagnosis, information and communication technology, as well as energy.