Points by Wang Yang

"China is modernizing and will be communicating with the West more often and on many different matters. A good place to start in terms of making sure the West understands China is Guangdong."

—On Communication With the West

"While the Forbidden City is a must-see for foreign tourists to Beijing, the spirit of mind emancipation, reform and opening up has always been high in Guangdong. The Guangdong people are reputed for being pragmatic, open-minded, daring and innovative, which has facilitated the economic miracles of Guangdong to fully flourish."

—On the Essence of Guangdong Culture

"GDP growth is only a means for improving people's livelihood, not an end to development."

"Don't be complacent; do have a sense of crisis. Don't be narrow-minded; do establish a global view. Don't be obsessed with materialistic targets; do cherish the pro-people perspective."

—To Guangdong Officials

"The traditional Guangdong model is unsustainable… We are running out of resources and environmental capacity. The economic downturn provided a catalyst for change—now we've reached consensus on the need to transform our development model."

"We're not interested in 'face-lifts.' After the financial crisis, we want a brand-new Guangdong, not an improvement upon the old one. "

—On the Financial Crisis and Guangdong's Transformation

"For 30 years, Hong Kong has been 'the shop' and Guangdong 'the factory.' Now, Guangdong aims to be the 'shop' and hopes China's central and western regions can be the 'factory.' Guangdong should move to both ends of the industrial chain: concentrating on R&D, design, marketing, sales and logistics. "

—On the Dual Transfer

"Independent innovation has risks and costs; it is always harder than the cookie-cutter businesses of assembly, processing and trade. The financial crisis forced our enterprises to recognize the importance of independent innovation. This awareness is more effective than all other things."

"Guangdong attracts independent innovators because it is market-driven and the technologies they develop can be commercialized quickly. The government should follow the trends, conform to the market and help enterprises innovate."

—On Independent Innovation

"Without colorful and diversified cultural or art forms, a healthy society cannot be sustained, just like nature without the sun, air or water. An economy guided or supported by outdated culture is unlikely to be competitive or to have the momentum for rapid growth."

—On the Cultural Industry