Quotable

"The main market for microbial technology is presently in the US and Latin America. But it is obvious that we can bring the technology to Asian countries like China."

Peder Holk Nielsen, chief executive officer of the Danish biotechnology giant Novozymes. The company anticipates huge demand in China for its microbial products that improve crop yields.

"Companies in the consumer goods sector that really want to expand globally have to have an acute sense of local customs and the ability to adapt. In this area, Western multinationals still have the upper hand."

Carol Liao, managing director of BCG Greater China. She said though Chinese firms have been making big strides globally, they are increasingly facing stiff competition in other emerging economies.

"People love gold in China, and for some, it seems to be a status symbol."

Aram Shishmanian, chief executive officer of the World Gold Council. He says gold demand in China will grow steadily as the middle class expands and the yuan is further internationalized, requiring an increase in gold reserves.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/19/2014 page18)