Passage 3Making the Right ChoicesWith imports and exports accounting for nearly half of Chinese economic output last year, trade has become an essential part of its economy and society.China’s decision in 1999 to join the World Trade Organization was a vital catalyst in its emergence as a major economic power. But since 2001, the WTO has been unable to finalize the new trade agreements (known as the Doha Round) that would enable the WTO system to keep pace with a globalizing world.Nevertheless, countries around the world, including China, have continued to reach out on their own for the benefits of free trade and investment, by arranging bilateral free trade agreements with other countries with whom they see advantages in developing economic ties.The economic benefits of free trade have been demonstrated time and again. One country’s economic strengths are often another country’s weaknesses. Removing import restrictions and duties encourages a country to buy products from another country that make them cheaper and better, while exporting more of its own competitive products.Free trade makes everyone better off, because greater specialization improves economic efficiency, which in turn encourages more trade and economic growth everywhere. History shows that trade between countries after they have signed a free trade agreement grows by as much as 100 percent.China has used its attractiveness as a large market and powerful Asian presence to establish FTAs around the world with other economies, such as ASEAN, Chile, Peru, Singapore, New Zealand and Costa Rica.In 2010, China decided it needed to build a free trade foothold in Europe, its largest market and a vital strategic partner, and opened FTA discussions with Switzerland in January 2011.The Swiss service-based and high-value-added economy is very complementary to China’s economy, although much smaller.But at first sight it would appear that Switzerland has much more to gain than China from a free trade agreement. The removal of Chinese import tariffs as high as 15 percent on machinery imports will further support Switzerland’s already strong Chinese trade position, while Switzerland’s world-leading banking and insurance companies are big investors in China. Only in certain agricultural products, where Switzerland maintains import duties of more than 20 percent, does China appear to enjoy a significant advantage from liberalizing its Swiss trade.But the discussions demonstrate a Chinese strategic interest that extends far beyond developing closer economic ties with a much smaller country. Switzerland is located in the center of Europe, and although independent of the European Union, is closely linked economically and by trade agreements to the euro economy, as Costa Rica is with the United States.With its road and rail links into Italy, France, Germany, Austria and beyond, Switzerland is an excellent place for Chinese companies to position themselves to develop the European market. Under a free trade agreement, China can export components and semi-finished products to Switzerland without paying any Swiss import duties.Under a Sino-Swiss FTA, some of China’s exports to Switzerland, if re-exported to European countries, could displace European agricultural and manufactured products, such as autos and household products. Similarly, some Swiss exports to China that escape import tariffs of 10 percent or more will displace competitors’ products from other major exporters of specialized machinery, chemicals and watches, such as Germany, Japan and the US.Since 2007 Europe has firmly embraced the bilateral free trade approach. Europe has just opened FTA negotiations with Japan, and is holding discussions with the US about developing free trade. China’s huge market and its average import duties of about 10 percent represent a very attractive prize for free traders.Switzerland’s example could encourage the EU to consider opening FTA discussions with China, which would have to decide whether to weaken its role as leader of the large group of emerging world countries at the WTO Doha Round discussions, in order to gain the economic benefits of a bilateral European free trade agreement. 回答问题What is the purpose of Doha Round according to the passage?

Passage 3Making the Right ChoicesWith imports and exports accounting for nearly half of Chinese economic output last year, trade has become an essential part of its economy and society.China’s decision in 1999 to join the World Trade Organization was a vital catalyst in its emergence as a major economic power. But since 2001, the WTO has been unable to finalize the new trade agreements (known as the Doha Round) that would enable the WTO system to keep pace with a globalizing world.Nevertheless, countries around the world, including China, have continued to reach out on their own for the benefits of free trade and investment, by arranging bilateral free trade agreements with other countries with whom they see advantages in developing economic ties.The economic benefits of free trade have been demonstrated time and again. One country’s economic strengths are often another country’s weaknesses. Removing import restrictions and duties encourages a country to buy products from another country that make them cheaper and better, while exporting more of its own competitive products.Free trade makes everyone better off, because greater specialization improves economic efficiency, which in turn encourages more trade and economic growth everywhere. History shows that trade between countries after they have signed a free trade agreement grows by as much as 100 percent.China has used its attractiveness as a large market and powerful Asian presence to establish FTAs around the world with other economies, such as ASEAN, Chile, Peru, Singapore, New Zealand and Costa Rica.In 2010, China decided it needed to build a free trade foothold in Europe, its largest market and a vital strategic partner, and opened FTA discussions with Switzerland in January 2011.The Swiss service-based and high-value-added economy is very complementary to China’s economy, although much smaller.But at first sight it would appear that Switzerland has much more to gain than China from a free trade agreement. The removal of Chinese import tariffs as high as 15 percent on machinery imports will further support Switzerland’s already strong Chinese trade position, while Switzerland’s world-leading banking and insurance companies are big investors in China. Only in certain agricultural products, where Switzerland maintains import duties of more than 20 percent, does China appear to enjoy a significant advantage from liberalizing its Swiss trade.But the discussions demonstrate a Chinese strategic interest that extends far beyond developing closer economic ties with a much smaller country. Switzerland is located in the center of Europe, and although independent of the European Union, is closely linked economically and by trade agreements to the euro economy, as Costa Rica is with the United States.With its road and rail links into Italy, France, Germany, Austria and beyond, Switzerland is an excellent place for Chinese companies to position themselves to develop the European market. Under a free trade agreement, China can export components and semi-finished products to Switzerland without paying any Swiss import duties.Under a Sino-Swiss FTA, some of China’s exports to Switzerland, if re-exported to European countries, could displace European agricultural and manufactured products, such as autos and household products. Similarly, some Swiss exports to China that escape import tariffs of 10 percent or more will displace competitors’ products from other major exporters of specialized machinery, chemicals and watches, such as Germany, Japan and the US.Since 2007 Europe has firmly embraced the bilateral free trade approach. Europe has just opened FTA negotiations with Japan, and is holding discussions with the US about developing free trade. China’s huge market and its average import duties of about 10 percent represent a very attractive prize for free traders.Switzerland’s example could encourage the EU to consider opening FTA discussions with China, which would have to decide whether to weaken its role as leader of the large group of emerging world countries at the WTO Doha Round discussions, in order to gain the economic benefits of a bilateral European free trade agreement. 回答问题What is the most possible meaning of FTA?

Passage 3Making the Right ChoicesWith imports and exports accounting for nearly half of Chinese economic output last year, trade has become an essential part of its economy and society.China’s decision in 1999 to join the World Trade Organization was a vital catalyst in its emergence as a major economic power. But since 2001, the WTO has been unable to finalize the new trade agreements (known as the Doha Round) that would enable the WTO system to keep pace with a globalizing world.Nevertheless, countries around the world, including China, have continued to reach out on their own for the benefits of free trade and investment, by arranging bilateral free trade agreements with other countries with whom they see advantages in developing economic ties.The economic benefits of free trade have been demonstrated time and again. One country’s economic strengths are often another country’s weaknesses. Removing import restrictions and duties encourages a country to buy products from another country that make them cheaper and better, while exporting more of its own competitive products.Free trade makes everyone better off, because greater specialization improves economic efficiency, which in turn encourages more trade and economic growth everywhere. History shows that trade between countries after they have signed a free trade agreement grows by as much as 100 percent.China has used its attractiveness as a large market and powerful Asian presence to establish FTAs around the world with other economies, such as ASEAN, Chile, Peru, Singapore, New Zealand and Costa Rica.In 2010, China decided it needed to build a free trade foothold in Europe, its largest market and a vital strategic partner, and opened FTA discussions with Switzerland in January 2011.The Swiss service-based and high-value-added economy is very complementary to China’s economy, although much smaller.But at first sight it would appear that Switzerland has much more to gain than China from a free trade agreement. The removal of Chinese import tariffs as high as 15 percent on machinery imports will further support Switzerland’s already strong Chinese trade position, while Switzerland’s world-leading banking and insurance companies are big investors in China. Only in certain agricultural products, where Switzerland maintains import duties of more than 20 percent, does China appear to enjoy a significant advantage from liberalizing its Swiss trade.But the discussions demonstrate a Chinese strategic interest that extends far beyond developing closer economic ties with a much smaller country. Switzerland is located in the center of Europe, and although independent of the European Union, is closely linked economically and by trade agreements to the euro economy, as Costa Rica is with the United States.With its road and rail links into Italy, France, Germany, Austria and beyond, Switzerland is an excellent place for Chinese companies to position themselves to develop the European market. Under a free trade agreement, China can export components and semi-finished products to Switzerland without paying any Swiss import duties.Under a Sino-Swiss FTA, some of China’s exports to Switzerland, if re-exported to European countries, could displace European agricultural and manufactured products, such as autos and household products. Similarly, some Swiss exports to China that escape import tariffs of 10 percent or more will displace competitors’ products from other major exporters of specialized machinery, chemicals and watches, such as Germany, Japan and the US.Since 2007 Europe has firmly embraced the bilateral free trade approach. Europe has just opened FTA negotiations with Japan, and is holding discussions with the US about developing free trade. China’s huge market and its average import duties of about 10 percent represent a very attractive prize for free traders.Switzerland’s example could encourage the EU to consider opening FTA discussions with China, which would have to decide whether to weaken its role as leader of the large group of emerging world countries at the WTO Doha Round discussions, in order to gain the economic benefits of a bilateral European free trade agreement. 回答问题Why does China develop closer economic ties with such a small country as Switzerland?

Passage 3Making the Right ChoicesWith imports and exports accounting for nearly half of Chinese economic output last year, trade has become an essential part of its economy and society.China’s decision in 1999 to join the World Trade Organization was a vital catalyst in its emergence as a major economic power. But since 2001, the WTO has been unable to finalize the new trade agreements (known as the Doha Round) that would enable the WTO system to keep pace with a globalizing world.Nevertheless, countries around the world, including China, have continued to reach out on their own for the benefits of free trade and investment, by arranging bilateral free trade agreements with other countries with whom they see advantages in developing economic ties.The economic benefits of free trade have been demonstrated time and again. One country’s economic strengths are often another country’s weaknesses. Removing import restrictions and duties encourages a country to buy products from another country that make them cheaper and better, while exporting more of its own competitive products.Free trade makes everyone better off, because greater specialization improves economic efficiency, which in turn encourages more trade and economic growth everywhere. History shows that trade between countries after they have signed a free trade agreement grows by as much as 100 percent.China has used its attractiveness as a large market and powerful Asian presence to establish FTAs around the world with other economies, such as ASEAN, Chile, Peru, Singapore, New Zealand and Costa Rica.In 2010, China decided it needed to build a free trade foothold in Europe, its largest market and a vital strategic partner, and opened FTA discussions with Switzerland in January 2011.The Swiss service-based and high-value-added economy is very complementary to China’s economy, although much smaller.But at first sight it would appear that Switzerland has much more to gain than China from a free trade agreement. The removal of Chinese import tariffs as high as 15 percent on machinery imports will further support Switzerland’s already strong Chinese trade position, while Switzerland’s world-leading banking and insurance companies are big investors in China. Only in certain agricultural products, where Switzerland maintains import duties of more than 20 percent, does China appear to enjoy a significant advantage from liberalizing its Swiss trade.But the discussions demonstrate a Chinese strategic interest that extends far beyond developing closer economic ties with a much smaller country. Switzerland is located in the center of Europe, and although independent of the European Union, is closely linked economically and by trade agreements to the euro economy, as Costa Rica is with the United States.With its road and rail links into Italy, France, Germany, Austria and beyond, Switzerland is an excellent place for Chinese companies to position themselves to develop the European market. Under a free trade agreement, China can export components and semi-finished products to Switzerland without paying any Swiss import duties.Under a Sino-Swiss FTA, some of China’s exports to Switzerland, if re-exported to European countries, could displace European agricultural and manufactured products, such as autos and household products. Similarly, some Swiss exports to China that escape import tariffs of 10 percent or more will displace competitors’ products from other major exporters of specialized machinery, chemicals and watches, such as Germany, Japan and the US.Since 2007 Europe has firmly embraced the bilateral free trade approach. Europe has just opened FTA negotiations with Japan, and is holding discussions with the US about developing free trade. China’s huge market and its average import duties of about 10 percent represent a very attractive prize for free traders.Switzerland’s example could encourage the EU to consider opening FTA discussions with China, which would have to decide whether to weaken its role as leader of the large group of emerging world countries at the WTO Doha Round discussions, in order to gain the economic benefits of a bilateral European free trade agreement. 回答问题What is China’s advantage in attracting free traders?

Passage 3Making the Right ChoicesWith imports and exports accounting for nearly half of Chinese economic output last year, trade has become an essential part of its economy and society.China’s decision in 1999 to join the World Trade Organization was a vital catalyst in its emergence as a major economic power. But since 2001, the WTO has been unable to finalize the new trade agreements (known as the Doha Round) that would enable the WTO system to keep pace with a globalizing world.Nevertheless, countries around the world, including China, have continued to reach out on their own for the benefits of free trade and investment, by arranging bilateral free trade agreements with other countries with whom they see advantages in developing economic ties.The economic benefits of free trade have been demonstrated time and again. One country’s economic strengths are often another country’s weaknesses. Removing import restrictions and duties encourages a country to buy products from another country that make them cheaper and better, while exporting more of its own competitive products.Free trade makes everyone better off, because greater specialization improves economic efficiency, which in turn encourages more trade and economic growth everywhere. History shows that trade between countries after they have signed a free trade agreement grows by as much as 100 percent.China has used its attractiveness as a large market and powerful Asian presence to establish FTAs around the world with other economies, such as ASEAN, Chile, Peru, Singapore, New Zealand and Costa Rica.In 2010, China decided it needed to build a free trade foothold in Europe, its largest market and a vital strategic partner, and opened FTA discussions with Switzerland in January 2011.The Swiss service-based and high-value-added economy is very complementary to China’s economy, although much smaller.But at first sight it would appear that Switzerland has much more to gain than China from a free trade agreement. The removal of Chinese import tariffs as high as 15 percent on machinery imports will further support Switzerland’s already strong Chinese trade position, while Switzerland’s world-leading banking and insurance companies are big investors in China. Only in certain agricultural products, where Switzerland maintains import duties of more than 20 percent, does China appear to enjoy a significant advantage from liberalizing its Swiss trade.But the discussions demonstrate a Chinese strategic interest that extends far beyond developing closer economic ties with a much smaller country. Switzerland is located in the center of Europe, and although independent of the European Union, is closely linked economically and by trade agreements to the euro economy, as Costa Rica is with the United States.With its road and rail links into Italy, France, Germany, Austria and beyond, Switzerland is an excellent place for Chinese companies to position themselves to develop the European market. Under a free trade agreement, China can export components and semi-finished products to Switzerland without paying any Swiss import duties.Under a Sino-Swiss FTA, some of China’s exports to Switzerland, if re-exported to European countries, could displace European agricultural and manufactured products, such as autos and household products. Similarly, some Swiss exports to China that escape import tariffs of 10 percent or more will displace competitors’ products from other major exporters of specialized machinery, chemicals and watches, such as Germany, Japan and the US.Since 2007 Europe has firmly embraced the bilateral free trade approach. Europe has just opened FTA negotiations with Japan, and is holding discussions with the US about developing free trade. China’s huge market and its average import duties of about 10 percent represent a very attractive prize for free traders.Switzerland’s example could encourage the EU to consider opening FTA discussions with China, which would have to decide whether to weaken its role as leader of the large group of emerging world countries at the WTO Doha Round discussions, in order to gain the economic benefits of a bilateral European free trade agreement. 回答问题Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?

Passage 1E-commerce Growing in China’s Small TownsE-commerce is becoming increasingly popular in China’s small towns, with local residents spending even more money than their urban peers.A resident of Tonglu County in east China’s Zhejiang province, 23-year-old Liu Hua said he spends a lot of money on Taobao, China’s biggest online shopping website.He said he and his mother spend more than 10, 000 yuan (1, 632 U. S. dollars) each year on online shopping.“I shop more online than in real stores. I mostly buy electronics and food, while my mom buys clothing and cosmetics,? Liu said.“Tonglu is small and high-tech electronics aren’t available here. In addition, such goods are usually more expensive in stores than online,” he said.According to a report released by Taobao in late July, people living in counties and townships spent an average of 5, 628 yuan per person online, almost 1, 000 yuan more than their urban counterparts. Major global brands like Estee Lauder, Nike and Vans have sold well in counties and townships, the report said.Small-town shoppers spent 765 yuan on average per person on Estee Lauder cosmetics, slightly more than 652 yuan by the first- and second-tier city dwellers, according to the report.Another report released in March by the McKinsey Global Institute showed that the online shopping habits of residents of small towns and counties are similar to those of urban residents, even though incomes in counties and townships tend to be smaller.According to the report, for every 100 yuan spent online, 57 yuan is spent by people in third- and fourth-tier cities, greater than the nationai average of 39 yuan.However, the presence of counterfeit goods and a poorly-developed logistics industry have risen as challenges to the development of c-commerce.“I always concerned about fake products and the risk of my products being damaged while being delivered,” Liu said.Xu Zheng, a resident of Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, had complaints about the speed at which his online purchases are delivered.“I have to wait for three to four days or even longer for online goods,” Xu said.E-commerce giant Alibaba Group formed a consortium in May to build a nationwide intelligent logistics network that can ensure rapid delivery of online purchases.Wang Xiaozhang, a professor at Zhejiang University, said the enlarging role of online shopping is related to confined shopping choices in small towns and the convenience brought by technology.“Both sellers and buyers should develop credit and the government should create relevant regulations if and when poor delivery efficiency and damaged products become severe problems,” he said. 回答问题China’s small towns see great popularity of online shopping in recent years.