Category: Economics & Trade

Although there is much still to be done, there are signs that Vice-Premier Zhu Rongji’s economic reforms are beginning to have a positive effect, says consultant Batey Burn.

China’s consumer market and its increasingly sophisticated taste is a tempting prospect for many foreign retailers. Despite a shortage of shop space, problems of distribution, questions over money supply and prohibitive import restrictions, foreign companies are still succeeding in reaching the mass of Chinese buyers.

Foster’s Brewing Group of Australia predicts huge growth in the Chinese beer market, and is embarking on the first of a planned series of joint ventures with Chinese beer producers. We assess its plans for gaining a head start in a sector where few of its competitors have vet made a move.

The UK has traditionally lagged behind many western countries in its China trade. Now that the country seems to be emerging from recession and now that China offers a more clearly-defined investment climate, the UK is at last becoming more active.

Relatively neglected until now, Tianjin is beginning to shape up as an area of great potential for investors.