Quotable

We can provide consultancy or counseling services to companies looking to conduct business in those countries. It is also very important for companies to respect culture and customs and to conduct business negotiations in accordance with Islamic law."

Yang Zhibo, vice-president of the Islamic Association of China, which wants to serve as a think tank for Chinese businesses looking to expand into Muslim countries as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The Belt and Road Initiative creates potential for mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two countries, and we're keen on expanding cooperation with Chinese partners."

Miroslav Singer, governor of Czech National Bank, on the Czech Republic's willingness to support increased financial activity under the initiative.

"Whether to remove the death penalty, and when to remove it, should be in line with the regional reality."

Ruan Chuansheng, a criminal lawyer in Shanghai, after the death of a 4-year-old girl, who was beheaded on March 28 in a knife attack in Taiwan, sparked criticism of those calling to abolish the death penalty.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 04/01/2016 page2)