Hopes voiced for next five years

Eugene Clark, visiting professor of law at the College of Comparative Law, China University of Political Science and Law [Photo/China Daily]

A1 I have been most impressed with China's rapid e-commerce growth. This growth has been made possible by the convergence and coordination of many factors. The government has established well-thought-out plans regarding specific technologies, such as nanotechnology and robotics. The business-to-consumer side of the economy has been a shining star and a world leader. The variety of business models, uptake of mobile-commerce, the legal reforms in areas such as consumer protection and the establishment of specialized IP courts, and the rapid expansion of infrastructure have combined to bring about dramatic growth in e-commerce.

A2 If there is a priority, it is on communication-top-down, bottom-up and in-between. While governments at the national and provincial levels must communicate their plans, so too should they listen to the needs of different regions, businesses and public sector levels. In the small-business sector, this will mean promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, availability of finance, ease of doing business, and other means to facilitate and unleash the power of small businesses to create new and innovative businesses.

A3 This will be a challenging year for China and for the world, but I am confident that the long-term Chinese and world economies will resolve their issues and move forward. China will also continue to benefit from healthy competition, both from foreign companies as well as from within. The rivalry between the different business-to-consumer models of Alibaba and JD.com is a good example of how competition can lead to innovation and enhanced choice and benefit consumers.

A4 China is Australia's No 1 trading partner. Consequently, Australia's success is inextricably linked to China's. Australia remains rich in natural resources that can provide the fuel for a sustained Chinese manufacturing economy, although coal is most certain to decline. As China's middle-class and consumer-driven economy expands, there will be significant opportunities for the Australian services sector to engage with China. Also important is the food industry, where Australia is in a good position to substantially increase agricultural exports to China. The China-Australia free trade agreement will help facilitate these trends.

A5 Any questions I would ask would revolve around the points mentioned above. More than anything, I would ask how I might help. There is much to be done, and as members of the human race, each must do their small part so that, collectively, we will make a difference and thereby achieve our goals.