Who will benefit from China's further open economy?

The notion of building a new open economic system, including easing investment access, accelerating the construction of free trade zones and further opening up inland and border areas, has been clearly brought up at last year's third plenum of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.[Special coverage]

It is expected that the ongoing "two sessions" -- the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) -- will keep deploying and implementing the open economic policies.

Who would benefit from those policies and what are the expectations of the people overseas? Xinhua reporters interviewed people from all walks of life in many countries to hear their views and expectations of China's reform ahead.

DIALOGUE 1

Xinhua: How do you look at China's opening-up policy? Does it bring benefit to you or the people around you?

Sophia Solonicheva, a 24-year-old clerk at a sports goods chain store in downtown Moscow, Russia: "China's opening up has promoted the cooperation between Russia and China, which has a significant impact on our lives. For example, many of our goods for daily use, like clothing and electrical appliances, are from China."

"I majored in Chinese language, so that gives me a chance to be sent to China to help explore the market there. I believe that China's open economy will bring more and more benefit to my company and myself."

Garikai Desmond Matambo, employed in an advisory firm in Johannesburg, South Africa, said China has brought to his country two things: jobs and nice products with lower prices.

"The factories and branch offices of Chinese electric, mining and telecom equipment companies in South Africa has offered us job opportunities," he said.

"The low prices of Chinese products, such as the ones from Hisense (a Chinese household appliances manufacturer), have put pressure to other foreign brands, forcing them either to lower their prices or suffer defeat in the competition," Matambo said.

"Thus, it is the customers that get the benefit," he said, adding that Chinese products are improving in quality as well as their market shares.

Alexandre Rhone, a project manager in a software company in Paris, believed China's opening-up has brought opportunities to enterprises and individuals worldwide.

"Though I haven't directly had business contact with China, I have met some Chinese counterparts and entrepreneurs. They have many ideas and are doing solid work. China has a vast market with many opportunities. I believe that one day, I will become good partners with them," he said.

DIALOGUE 2

Xinhua: What do you think of the newly-built China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Area (FTA)？ If a bilateral free trade agreement is struck between China and your country, do you think it will make a difference to your life?

Hubert Lienhard, CEO of German machinery company Voith and chair of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business, said German enterprises are very interested in the Shanghai FTA.

"It means the areas that were once opened exclusively to Chinese enterprises, such as the banking, insurance, logistics and telecommunication sectors, are now available to foreign companies, and German companies are doing a good job in these areas," said Lienhard.

"But although many liberalizations have taken place and opportunities arise, the 'negative list' still covers many areas, which we hope will have a change," he added.

Norman Li, chairman of Australian infant milk powder producer Careline Group, said a free trade agreement between China and Australia will be very beneficial to his company and other firms engaged in bilateral trade.

"Tax cuts will relieve the burden of enterprises and enhance the competitiveness of their products," he said.

Li added that thanks to a free trade agreement with China, similar products from New Zealand have an advantage in prices as they are exempt from taxation.

"I expect China and Australia will reach a free trade agreement at an early date after the two sessions," he said.

Meanwhile, Li Keum-ju, a 51-year-old restaurant owner, expressed concern that South Korean farmers will face competitive pressures from inexpensive farm products from China after the two countries sign a free trade agreement.

"Many South Korean farmers are afraid that the influx of Chinese farm products will worsen their situation and likely deal a heavy blow to the country's agriculture," she said.

"What if nobody wants to be a farmer? Will all farm products rely on imports?" Li said. "If so, there will be no guarantee for our livelihood."