China is leading the way in productivity development, Jean-Claude Lauzon, chairman of the World Confederation of Productivity Science (WCPS), said yesterday.

"Some countries will lag far behind in productivity, while others will become leaders. China will be in the latter group," said Lauzon at the on-going 14th World Productivity Congress (WPC) in Shenyang, capital of northeastern Liaoning Province.

"China is undergoing gigantic change. Many WPCS members are eager to come and have a look," said Lauzon.

"China has the magic of making things happen. All the changes are encouraging, and make us confident in China," he said.

Despite the many advances taking place in the country, challenges remain: "I wish China could find a way to balance economic development and environmental protection. This would benefit the whole planet," said Lauzon.

More than 1,000 people are taking part in the conference, including business leaders, officials and productivity experts.

"The congress will promote world peace and prosperity by enhancing productivity research, which in turn will further promote the development of the world's productivity," said Wang Maolin, chairman of the Chinese Association of Productivity Science, a co-organizer of the event.

(China Daily October 10, 2006)