Quotable

We will increase R&D expenditure to 3 percent of GDP during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20)and develop Guangzhou into a national central city in terms of innovation."

Chen Jianhua, mayor of Guangzhou, delivering a work report at the opening of the city's annual legislative session

"The government should resort to the strictest supervision and toughest punishment for violators, with a more unified and authoritative supervision system and regulations."

Zhang Gaoli, Chinese vice-premier, who presided over a meeting of the State Council's food safety commission on Jan 28

"Having half a day off is day-dreaming. Most companies in China won't follow this policy."

Wang Zhe, design company employee in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. The China National Tourism Administration is encouraging government departments and companies to give employees half the day off on Fridays this summer to boost domestic spending.

(China Daily European Weekly 02/05/2016 page2)