Saturday 27 September

Chinese Premier: Growth must be sustainable: Business should embrace ethics


Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, 27 September 2008 

In his opening remarks at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said that the unfolding international financial crisis underscores how important it is for China to balance growth with employment creation and environmental protection. “We must ensure sustainable growth in our economy,” he added. Wen advised the business leaders of the New Champion companies – fast-growing global enterprises from more than 90 countries – to embrace innovation. “If you wish to remain or become New Champions, you must be innovative and take the lead in doing so. Otherwise, you won’t be successful.” He added: “Entrepreneurs must also have the high moral ground. I wish they would have morality in their blood.” Wen hoped that they would transfer useful technology to China. More than 1,400 business, government and civil society leaders are participating in the second Annual Meeting of the New Champions.