Macro View

Inland China shows potential to drive growth

  • Published 17 Apr 2009

This year and for several years to come, it appears likely that China will derive its energy from the inner dynamism of a continental economy.

If you peer over the Rolex counter at the main department store in Tangshan, a gritty steel town north of Beijing, you will notice one of the watches twinkling at you through the glass. Its entire face glistens with diamonds, aside from where small rubies have been positioned to mark the hours. You may also notice the price tag: Rmb 593,000 ($86,790, €65,730, £58,190). Surely, you ask the shop assistants, there can’t be that many customers for such timepieces in China’s third-tier cities? And that would be where you're wrong.

Issue icon

Latest Issue

12 Jan 2012

Browse the archive

Get two weeks free trial Subscribe now to access all of China Confidential

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Find out more