BEIJING, Oct 15 (Reuters) - China's industry minister

met with Apple ( AAPL ) CEO Tim Cook in Beijing on Wednesday, according

to a statement released by the ministry.

China hopes Apple ( AAPL ) will continue to explore the

Chinese market, Minister of Industry and Information Technology

Li Lecheng told Cook, adding that China will continue to foster

a good business environment for foreign firms including Apple ( AAPL ).