Quotable

"From a long-term perspective, the reform package offered by the Third Plenum looks positive for China's economy. But in the short-term, the consequences are rather uncertain."

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Trends apparent in sports apparel

If you want to know how the porcelain industry is faring, you need go no further than Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province. If sportswear is your field of interest, the place to go to is Quanzhou, as it is a microcosm of the industry.

From eels to making big deals

A Chinese businessman is keen to bring innovative methods to his African operations.

Vaccine pain is global companies' gain

Despite Chinese health authorities' claim that there is no link between hepatitis B vaccinations and several babies' deaths, parents' confidence in domestic vaccinations has been shaken - and that is improving the outlook for overseas drug companies.

Sailing into the future China-style

What would you buy if you became very rich? A luxurious mansion, a private jet, perhaps a Rolls-Royce?

China National Nuclear Corp buying stake in Namibia mine

China Uranium Corp Ltd agreed to purchase 25 percent of the Langer Heinrich uranium mine, one of Africa's biggest uranium mines.

Addax signs 10-year petroleum contract

Addax Petroleum Corp, the biggest overseas subsidiary of Sinopec Group, has won a 10-year contract to extract oil at three fields in Gabon.

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.