No. 343, Nov. 26(2)

Concerns from the Top
News, page 3
On November 19th during the East Asia Summit in Singapore, Chinese premiere Wen Jiabao voiced his concern over trends in the mainland real estate industry and stock markets. The premiere went on the record as saying, “On matters related to the people's daily life, I focus most on real estate… we must educate the public about investment risks and provide risk reminders…”.
Original article: [Chinese]

Nominations in for Central Bank's Second in Command
News, page 4
Senior officials from various Central Bank branches gathered on November 22 to propose candidates for filling the Bank's deputy chief post, which was left vacant by Xiang Junbo this past July. Among the nominated are three of the current Central Bank chief's assistants, namely Ma Delun, Yi Wang, and Du Jinfu. At present, the Bank has four deputy chiefs, and the vacant slot is still waiting for Central committee appointment. It is said that the shortlist will only serve as a point of reference. Xiang left the Central Bank to head China's Agricultural Bank.
Original article: [Chinese]

International Investors Eying Health Care Sector
News, page 6
The Ministry of Health is worried about international investors rushing into the health care sector, and has raised the bar for the related investment approval processes. The Chinese health care industry is expected to be worth 27 billion dollars by 2010, and in recent months, several venture capital investors from the United States and England have expressed their interest in taking a stake in privately owned local firms. The government fears that the influx of international capital would lead to a brain drain in public health care, as the private sector would offer better compensation.
Full article in English translation to be uploaded soon…
Original article: [Chinese] 

A Mix of Monetary and Fiscal Policy is the Way Forward
News, page 7
Echoing calls made in last weeks paper, State Statistics Department chief and Tshing Hua University economist Xie Fuzhan believes an effective blending of monetary and fiscal policy would pave the way for healthy economic growth in China. Xie lists three steps for intervention: first, adjust the cost of production by reasonably increasing labor and capital costs as well as environmental conservation management fees; second, to increase government funding on retirement plans, health care and low-cost housing to boost consumer spending; third to stabilize prices of commodities.
Original article: [Chinese]