According to the Questionnaires returned from entrepreneurs, Chinese business operators adopt an active and optimistic attitude toward the influence to be brought on China's economy by its entry into WTO.

The investigation, conducted between August and November, indicates that 66.5 percent of the business managers believe that regarding the impact of China's accession to the WTO on its macro-economy, advantages will outweigh disadvantages; 7.8 percent hold the opposite view, and another 10 percent think there will not be much influence. This fact shows Chinese business operators are relatively confident of taking part in international market competition.

In the face of the challenges from the WTO, the proportions of the entrepreneurs' options of corresponding measures are arranged in order as follows: enhancing understanding of the international market, increasing input in technological innovation, strengthening operation and management, and raising the degree of internationalized operation.

The investigation also reveals that businessmen have a strong investment demand and investment in technological innovations has became a hot spot. Some 72.percent of the entrepreneurs have indicated that in 2000 they will make investment in fixed assets. Their main investment orientations are listed in order as follows: conducting technological innovations, enlarging the production scale, establishing computer networks, setting up scientific research institutes or training centers, importing advanced equipment, and building environmental protection facilities and putting up factory buildings. The proportion of those choosing technological innovations is far higher than others.

With regard to the situation concerning China's industrial development, the entrepreneurs have suggested that top priority be given to the development of high-tech industry, followed in order by the education sector, basic industry, and agriculture. At the same time, they ascertain that Chinese industries with the greatest development potential come in order as below: high and new technological industry, the education sector and information industry. When appropriate conditions are available, they are prepared to invest in the following industries: high and new technological and information industries as well as the education sector.