Innovation proves driving force in China

Editor's Note: The Communist Party of China will hold its 19th National Congress on Oct 18. In the runup to the meeting, China Daily asked prominent company executives to provide their views on economic developments here and the country's global leadership role. The first two are Jeremy Hunter, president for Henkel Greater China, and Thierry Garnier, president and CEO of Carrefour China.

What has been China's biggest achievement during the past five years and what is its most notable change?

Jeremy Hunter: It has to be China's transformation toward becoming an innovation-fueled economy. China is upgrading its manufacturing industry to become more high-end, environmentally friendly, intelligent and service-based. This is shifting focus from "productivity expansion" to "productivity enhancement".