Christian Morel, Chairman of China-EU Management Center hails the direction proposed for China's development by the 17th CPC National Congress.

The 80-year-old Belgian is a pioneer among investors in China and is a witness to the country's historic transformation.

Morel began doing business in China almost three decades ago. He set up Belgium's first joint venture in Shanghai.Morel took the job as chairman of the China-Europe Management Center since 1990.

He has trained more than 10,000 Chinese company managers and telecommunication engineers.

His opinion of the direction for China's development proposed by the CPC National Congress is high.

Christian Morel, chairman of China Europe Management Center,said,"Talking about harmonious society, I assume and expect that in line with decisions, they talk, for instance, for the farmers to abolish tax which existed 2,000 years, and they decided to invest more in education in rural areas, that they will spend more money in the healthcare infrastructure."

Morel says China experienced rapid economic development over the past 20 years and notes the government is taking steps to avoid problems arising from this growth.

About harmonious society and scientific development, Christian Morel said, " Scientific development is the Chinese companies, I should say, Chinese organizations, the Chinese economy should take more care of using energy, raw materials, we should be more efficient in the way of approaching environment."

Morel says it's improper to boost economy at the expense of environment. So it's very correct for the Chinese government to advocate building a harmonious society and scientific outlook on development.

(CCTV October 21, 2007)