Quotable

The Chinese market is not a normal one. Even more than most markets, this is a casino in which each player hopes to find a 'greater fool' on whom to offload overpriced chips before it is too late."

Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times

"Alibaba's values are reflected in the pursuit of dreams and creating value for customers. Its values do not waver with the fluctuations in stock prices. However, it is also important to stay focused on the true prize, which is serving customers. ... That is the path to success to creating value for shareholders and the company."

Daniel Zhang, chief executive of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd

"China's economic fundamentals are still better than other economic powers and newly developed nations. The difficulties China face have been greatly exaggerated."

Mei Xinyu, a researcher at the Ministry of Commerce's International Trade and Economic Cooperation Institute

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/05/2015 page18)