Quotable

"Chinese enterprises being able to go to the United States and acquire companies does represent a kind of soft power. But this is just the beginning. Chinese firms still lag far behind American companies. Maybe in 10 or 20 years we can stand at the same level."

Wang Jianlin, founder and chairman of Dalian Wanda Group, the world's biggest owner of movie theaters, saying he was talking to "well-known" hotel brands in the US for possible acquisitions, though he declined to give names.

"It will be the third wave of China's opening-up after the surge of foreign trade and overseas mergers and acquisitions."

Charles Li, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, saying that the next significant opportunity in China's financial reform is promoting capital exports instead of imports, and raising the value of financial and monetary assets.

"It is important that China should maintain a climate for innovation, for the innovative medicines and innovative medical solutions that can be developed for the better lives of people."

John Lechleiter, chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. His association expects research and development cooperation between its member companies and Chinese counterparts to increase in the coming years, he said.

(China Daily 12/07/2012 page14)