Quotable

Like the profound impact of the Industrial Revolution, today we've reached a tipping point where AI gets to bring sweeping changes to our lives, with so many achievable applications to be rolled out."

Robin Li, chairman and CEO of leading Chinese search engine Baidu

"Hong Kong will take the lead among these cities in international transportation, as well as in accounting and financial, legal and other commercial services. Dongguan specializes in manufacturing. And Shenzhen hosts China's tech giants, such as Tencent and Huawei, as well as drone maker DJI."

Ma Huateng, Tencent chairman and chief executive. Ma says that China should introduce favorable policies to turn the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Area into the cradle of China's Silicon Valley.

"I was not happy with the punctuality rate of scheduled flights before, nor am I happy with it now. But we are working to improve it. Although weather has been the major reason for flight delays, there is still space to improve."

Feng Zhenglin, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China

There is no reason why China and the US couldn't become excellent partners, as long as we act on the consensus reached by our presidents and follow the principles of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation."

Wang Yi, foreign minister, speaking at a news conference on Mar 8 during the ongoing two sessions in Beijing

"In addition to the fact that enterprises stop exporting during holidays, the major reason for the deficit is that China is buying more commodities from overseas at surging prices."

Zhang Yongjun, a researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, referring to China's February trade deficit, the first monthly deficit in three years

"We plan to recruit 100 obstetricians and gynecologists and 100 pediatricians this year by offering high salaries and establishing professional maternity centers."

Liu Cigui, governor of Hainan province, speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing annual plenary session of the National People's Congress, the national legislature. The tropical province is known for its beachfront resorts and tourist hot spots.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 03/10/2017 page2)