Quotable

"Long-term contracts help calm volatile coal prices as coal suppliers and buyers will establish stable and effective cooperation. ... There will be fewer price hikes in the coal sector due to temporary supply shortages, temperature drops or speculative activities. Most of the bulk commodities are traded through long-term contracts in the world since they can ensure stable market expectations and improve transportation efficiency."

ZHOU DADI, a senior researcher at the China Energy Research Society.

"While there is short-term downward pressure, the slower growth is a reflection of the policymakers' commitment to prioritize growth quality, and we are more confident on China's long-term outlook."

ROBIN XING, chief China economist with Morgan Stanley Asia Ltd.

"It (regulatory policies in the foreign exchange market) will be more transparent and market-oriented, using price as the tool for flexible adjustment, while preventing policy discrimination,"

LU LE, deputy director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 12/01/2017 page24)