"Of course, there will be 2, 3 or 4 percent of our trade under tension. This is not a problem. This is part of life."

Romano Prodi, former European Commission president, in Beijing. He said he saw no great tension in China-Europe ties, despite recent trade friction between the two economies.

"Our research shows us that China's small enterprises are desperate for technology and orders."

Zhang Yansheng, secretary-general of the Academic Committee of the National Development and Reform Commission, suggests China and Europe work more closely together, particularly in trade and investment.

"In addition to agriculture and manufacturing, more effort should be made to help China's service sector, especially small and medium-sized companies, enter the African market."

Wei Jianguo, vice-chairman and secretary-general of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. He said China should invest more in Africa to improve bilateral trade rather than just sell products to the continent.

(China Daily 01/25/2013 page14)