Editor's note:

They are not just talking shop. When business people speak about what they expect from an upcoming political event, they express not only what they want, but also, given the right conditions, what they think they can do.

Indeed, since the beginning of the country's economic reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, international investors have learned to share a keen interest in political activities in Beijing with their local counterparts. This is because they understand that the government is willing, and regards itself as duty-bound, to respond to the various requirements needed for the nation's development. Moreover, the ideas expressed by the leaders in Beijing are often reflected in subsequent policies and exert a long-lasting influence.

At present, the world is four years into an economic slowdown that started with the financial meltdown on Wall Street.

China, the world leader in GDP growth, is inevitably experiencing a difficult period, one of slower economic expansion and painful adaptation.

The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, to open on Thursday, will witness the once-in-a-decade succession of the country's leadership team.

Will the new leaders continue to push the country in the direction of reform and opening-up? Will they make room for more economic and social innovations? Will they allow the country to remain the global champion in industrial growth? And will they continue to ensure the healthy development of the market economy?

In a recent survey of opinions conducted by China Daily, some of the international corporate giants operating in China express their expectations for the leadership succession in Beijing. As they will pay particular attention to the leadership change, they also expressed confidence that China will remain a land of opportunities.

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