Report archive
20 September 2012
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Complexities aboundThe Big Call
Insuring against serious illnesses
A scheme pushed by Beijing appears set to make headway against several obstacles in providing insurance cover against serious illnesses, with significant implications for the insurance and pharmaceutical industries – and the future of consumer spending.
Consumer China
Convenience stores – the street-corner battle for China’s urban consumers
Foreign convenience-store chains are leading the charge to tap into the vast new market created by the hectic lifestyles of China’s new urban consumers, but have yet to overcome their biggest challenge – turning a profit in China
Chengdu Hongqi – success for leading regional player
Sichuan’s leading convenience store operator has benefited from strong distribution and plans to use the proceeds from its recent IPO to fund further regional expansion.
7-Eleven – hoping for a franchise boost
The world’s largest convenience store chain is hoping that a new focus on franchised store expansion can help it see off stiff competition from domestic and multinational competitors in its China markets.
Quik – ailing homegrown brand cedes share to multinationals
Small stores, limited product selection and perceived poor service have seen the domestic convenience store chain lose market share to multinational rivals in recent years.
Lawson – back on track
The parent company’s recent decision to reclaim a controlling stake in its China joint-venture has re-energised the Japanese chain’s expansion plans in China following years of stagnant growth and declining market share.
FamilyMart – aggressive expansion, but still no profit
Family Mart plans to quadruple its number of China stores over the next four years to become the leading convenience-store chain in the country, but it is yet to turn a profit seven years after entering the mainland market.
Financial China
Income squeeze casts doubt on local investment plans
Despite unveiling ambitious Rmb17tn investment plans in recent months, a shortfall in income from land sales and bank loans means that local governments lack the funding to support another 2009-style jump in local investments.
Selected financial charts
A selection of key financial data over the past fortnight
Capital Intensive China
Real estate developers spring back into action
Developers have increased land purchases and construction activity in recent weeks, reflecting a renewed focus on rising demand from first-time buyers.
Best of Chinese Commentators
Anti-Japanese protests escalate
Economists have been debating the likelihood and impact of prolonged Sino-Japanese trade disruption following recent violent anti-Japanese protests in a number of Chinese cities.
US tariffs on Chinese tyres expire
Commentators discuss the likely impact of the expiration of US import tariffs for China’s tyre manufacturers.
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