"We have confidence that such growth momentum can be sustained over the long term. We expect a double-digit increase this year, probably as high as last year."

Chen Jian, vice-minister of commerce, also a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, saying global investment by Chinese companies will grow rapidly "for quite a long time". Despite a worldwide drop in foreign direct investment since the outbreak of the global crisis, China's overseas direct investment has increased. Last year, the world's second-largest economy saw its ODI rise about 30 percent to $77.2 billion (59.1 euros).

"The EU positions itself as the 'leader' in coping with climate change, but at the same time, it exercises trade sanctions on Chinese environmentally friendly and energy-saving products that are inexpensive but good. It is apparently inconsistent and unreasonable."

Yi Xiaozhun, permanent representative of China to the WTO, who says China should look out for increased trade frictions with European countries and the United States.

(China Daily 03/08/2013 page14)