Yu Zhengsheng (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with representatives from the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association who are in Beijing attending the association's third congress, China, June 27, 2014. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Friday called on overseas Chinese entrepreneurs to participare in China's modernization cause and boost China's interaction with the outside world.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during his meeting with members of the China Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association (COCEA).

Calling overseas Chinese entrepreneurs "an important force for China's construction and development," Yu said they have made "irreplaceable contributions" to the Chinese nation's independence and liberation and to China's prosperity and development.

He especially highlighted overseas Chinese entrepreneurs' dedication to China's development since the country launched its reform and opening-up drive in 1978.

China's development will now provide overseas Chinese with unprecedented opportunities and a bigger platform, according to Yu.

He expressed hope that the entrepreneurs can engage more actively in China's modernization, facilitate communication across the Taiwan Strait, support the peaceful reunification of the motherland and spread Chinese culture.

Yu also urged the COCEA to better serve overseas Chinese businessmen and protect their legitimate interests.