Quotable

"China's external trade environment is smooth, with demand from the United States and the European Union rebounding. Meanwhile, imports have remained robust since mid-year because of an improvement in domestic demand."

Wang Jun, an expert at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, saying the improvement last month improved the country's odds of achieving the 8 percent trade growth target set at the start of the year.

"Investment in climate change is good business. China is already grasping the chance."

Mark Kenber, Climate Group CEO, saying China is expected to reveal long-term policies and raise social awareness on climate change. China has pledged in its 12th Five-Year Plan to cut energy consumption per unit of GDP by 16 percent while slashing carbon emissions by 17 percent by 2015.

"China has growth potential that far exceeds that of the United States and Japan."

Kazuo Hirai, president and chief executive officer of Sony Corp, saying China has become one of the top three markets for the company, alongside the United States and Japan, and will play a vital role in Sony's comeback. He said China's continued rapid development of urban and network infrastructure, its burgeoning middle class and vibrant young generation all point to enormous growth potential.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/15/2013 page18)