Concern for needy students

The German Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai recently donated 200,000 yuan ($32,103) to support the education of needy Chinese students.

Growing taste for more detail on what we eat

As well as raising more complaints on food safety, the Chinese are becoming increasingly concerned about what they eat after a series of food safety scandals.

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Foshan master plan for new industries

Foshan made a good start last year on its three-year master plan to modernize the city's industrial chain by securing a large number of investment projects.

Flow of investment funds remains strong

Despite the global economic slowdown, Foshan received growing capital flows from home and abroad last year, showing its appeal to investors is still strong.

Germany center latest in international links

Zongshen Industrial Group recently signed an agreement with the government of Foshan to set up a South China Germany Center in the city's Sino-German Industrial Services Zone.

In Jilin, quality of life is priority No 1

In 2013, residents of Jilin can expect their quality of life to improve, according to a recent government work report.

12 reforms for people's livelihoods in 2013

Employment: Arrange skill training; create 550,000 new urban jobs; develop 10,000 public service jobs.

New governor plans to revive former industrial base

Appointed at the end of January, new Jilin Governor Bayin Chaolu has an ambitious vision to recapture the lost glory of the province, which was one of the earliest industrial bases of New China.

Natural gas sparks emission hopes

Responding to rising fuel prices and pollution, more cars in China are converting to natural gas, yet current market conditions are a barrier to widespread use.

Japanese brands search for rebound

Despite an apparent rebound in January sales after almost six months of decline in China, Japanese carmakers continue to be mired in sluggish sales.

Micro blog marketing of tragic infant death fuels firestorm of criticism

It's really a tough job for automakers doing marketing and sales in China, where competition is acute and customers have little loyalty. They have tried a range of gimmicks in recent years.