White collars in foreign-funded firms enter top advisory body

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, March 08, 2003

White collars in foreign-funded firms enter top advisory body

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Patrick K. H. Choy, vice-president of Motorola, who used to see things about China from the perspective of a transnational company, now observes and studies the development of foreign-funded firms and other related issues in the country as a member of the country's top advisory body.

"Although I come from a company from the United States, I'll voice opinions and suggestions to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on behalf of all foreign-funded enterprises in the country," said Choy, who is in charge of financial strategy of Motorola in the Asian-Pacific region.

Apart from Choy, a native from Hong Kong, Chen Qiufang, general manager of the Shanghai Pepsi-Cola Beverage Co. Ltd., Lee Zhang, general manager of the China Area of Deutsche Bank from Germany, Steve K. W. Chan, board chairman of the Coca-Cola, China, Ltd. and some other white collars in foreign-funded firms have become new members of the 10th CPPCC National Committee.

In the wake of social and economic growth, new social strata have emerged in China. And the white collars in foreign-funded firms have now entered the top advisory body for the first time.

"It shows that with its wide representation, the CPPCC National Committee is magnanimous and relevant to more social sectors, and can hear voices from all walks of life," said a leader of the advisory body.

Inclusion of white collars into the CPPCC National Committee is a major event symbolizing China's new political trend. At present, there are more than 420,000 foreign-funded firms in China, which drew a total of some 52 billion US dollars of foreign investment last year. With greater contributions they have made to the ongoing modernization program, the foreign-funded firms have become an undeniable force in the country.

"The fact that white collars in foreign-funded firms mounted the political arena epitomizes the expansion of foreign-funded firms in China," said Lee Zhang, general manager of the China Area of Deutsche Bank, adding that "entrepreneurs in foreign-funded and private firms are all builders of Chinese socialism. Our entry into the top advisory body indicates the approval and recognition of our work, and I'm proud of that."

Zhang, 38, said the CPPCC National Committee is playing a more eminent role in China's social development. Many friends of his asked him to forward their views to central authorities, which shows the people's faith, trust and attention to the advisory body.

He said he would like to replay problems faced by foreign-funded firms promptly to the CPPCC National Committee, so as to facilitate China's continuous improvement of its investment environment.

Chen Qiufang, general manager of the Shanghai Pepsi-Cola Beverage Co. Ltd., has submitted a motion about supervision of foreign-funded firms to the First Session of the 10th CPPCC National Committee.

"We are not only impressed by the vigor and vitality of democracy in the CPPCC, but also feel that the State fully respect our work," said Chen.

Echoing Chen's views, Choy described the CPPCC as a "think tank" body. "I find that we can express what on my mind at ease and in a relaxing mood. I frankly air my ideas concerning Chinese enterprises going overseas to seek development, and they have drawn high attention and respect."

Foreign-funded firms in China have been crowned with success along with China's economic growth, he acknowledged. "I'm proud to have the chance to witness and participate personally in the process of building a well-off society in China while doing my share to help Motorola seek business expansion in the country."

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