Quotable

"Traditional PC vendors are no longer our top rivals. Our next step is to challenge Apple and Samsung in the portable consumer electronics sector."

IN BRIEF (Page 20)

One stitch at a time

Ruan Xiaoming reckons he has always known clearly what he wants. Born into a poor family, when he was very young he yearned for hearty meals to fill a stomach that always seemed to be groaning for food; later he went to school aiming to reach university, but poverty put paid to that, and he dropped out of secondary school.

Outlook strong, but some bumps ahead

Passenger vehicle sales are likely to see slower growth this year as more Chinese cities impose purchase restrictions and implement measures to combat pollution, experts say.

African road to growth

At a time when foreign automakers are planning to further consolidate their presence in China, their Chinese counterparts are looking to boost exports to newer destinations such as Africa and Russia this year.

On the frontline of development

Chinese companies have a key role to play in ensuring sustainable development in Africa and in helping the continent tackle challenges such as poverty and unemployment, experts say.

Smart operator reaps rewards

Twenty-two years ago when Xu Zhiming started a small workshop sewing clothes in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, he saw his future close to home.

Ginger city snaps into shape

The Romans paid premium prices for it when they imported it from China. Two thousand years later, the whole world has come to recognize the culinary and medicinal qualities of ginger, still mostly sourced from the land of the Han.

Big reward for small farmers

Liu Zhengming's newly built farmhouse is equipped with all the electrical appliances and mod-cons you would find in a city household.

Quotable

"I think the luxury market has reached its peak in China, but because of its immense size it will be maintained for a while."

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Nigerian oil bill aimed at long-term investors

Africa's biggest oil producer seeks balance between its profits and benefits to emerging markets such as China.