Quotable

The slower absorption by downstream industries, such as real estate, construction, machinery, energy and automobile industries, has also contributed to the sluggishness."

Li Xinchuang, director of the China Metallurgical Industry Planning and Research Institute. The organization forecast iron ore demand is expected to fall further in China next year.

"Many believe that made-in-China products cannot meet the demands of the country's increasingly choosy middle-class consumers. But, in fact, there are many original equipment manufacturers in China producing for famous overseas brands. The problem is how to match demand with supply more effectively."

Jin Jianhang, president of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. The company is planning to rope in more high-end manufacturers to boost the overall image of its online marketplace.

"Under the circumstances, lowering the provision coverage ratio moderately will help commercial banks achieve a balance between profit and risk amid the economic downturn. It is in accordance with the slowdown of the Chinese economy and the increased operating pressure for the banking sector."

Report from the Institute of International Finance at Bank of China Ltd says listed lenders from China may see zero or negligible profit growth next year, with some likely to incur marginal losses.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 12/11/2015 page18)