Sound bites

"What particularly interests me is how China has grown so fast with such limited resources and environmental capacity. If China could manage the transition from a middle-income country to a high-income and welfare-driven country, it will be an inspiration for many African and Latin American countries."

Matthias Koerner, regional manager, Mittelhessen, of the Confederation of German Trade Unions

"The relations between China and Europe are getting better and better, and the two countries can continue strengthening cooperation in many fields, including energy and tourism. The doors to each other's economies are open, and Portugal's economy would certainly welcome more investment from China."

Jose Matos Rosa, secretary-general of the Social Democratic Party of Portugal

"China-European relations can be deepened. China should invest more in Europe, especially in Southeast Europe. We are open and waiting for Chinese investment. We like the Chinese way of doing things; we admire the economic progress that's been made in the country, and there is a lot of scope for China to expand what it is doing in Europe."

Zovko Zeljana, secretary for international affairs, the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina

"China is a country in transition, and our task is to show everything that is happening in the country. The foundation will continue launching exchange programs to strengthen political cooperation, especially among the younger political leaders of the future, and to promote bilateral relations."

Michel Thauvin, vice-president and treasurer of the Jean-Jaures Foundation of France

(China Daily 04/23/2013 page11)