"Education is one of the most important investments within a family, particularly for mid- and high-income customers who expect high returns for sending their children overseas. We've created the index to show that colleges ranking at the top do not necessarily guarantee a handsome payback. Other factors such as tuition fees, living costs and employment prospects have to be considered as well."

Leo Abruzzese, global forecasting director at the Economist Intelligence Unit, commenting on the fact that Montreal, London and Hong Kong are reported to be the top education destinations for Chinese mainland people.

"Trade facilitation is in line with China's future reforms in economic systems. In addition, China also needs an open and inclusive world trade mechanism for further expanding trade and participating in global governance."

Chai Xiaolin, director-general of the Department of World Trade Organization Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce, saying that China still needs to improve market access to facilitate trade.

"I am quite convinced that China's development is the hope of European integration. But if we start a trade war, Europe will lose more than it gains."

Patrick Nijs, Belgian diplomat, warning Europe will "lose more than it gains" if it starts a trade war with China.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 07/19/2013 page18)