The pace and scale of change in China’s economic and political life is staggering. This article reflects the movement away from a Soviet-style economy to much more of a Western approach. The news that China recognizes that it is short of accountants capable of supervising this change is truly remarkable.
1 How far do you think that the article is exaggerating the importance of accountants in a Western-style economy?
2 Do you think that China’s development really would be slowed down unless it gets more accountants?
3 What appears to be the most important task that accountants are expected to undertake in a Chinese enterprise?
4 What other tasks can you identify that accountants will be expected to do?