u003cpu003eChina continues to dominate discussions about the health of the world economy. Many are concerned about Chinau0026rsquo;s slowing growth and its ability to manage the difficult transition from a controlled economy dominated by manufacturing to a more open economy with greater reliance on domestic consumption. Some policy decisions last year also scared the market.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eWhile the risks are many and real, they are manageable and well-understood by Chinau0026rsquo;s policymakers. This is not the time to sell China short.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThe government is determined to achieve its average 6.5 per cent growth target between now and 2020, and it has the means to do so. We expect increased investment in regional development, support for production of higher value goods, and improvements to infrastructure.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThe government also plans to reduce the cost of doing business and will buffer the social and economic dislocations that inevitably arise as economies evolve. Recent official figures, and our banku0026rsquo;s experience on the ground, suggest such measures are taking effect, building the foundations for a more balanced economy.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eFor many in the West, China is the land of export-oriented smokestacks and assembly lines, but the economy is already rebalancing. The dynamic, innovative services sector makes up more than half the economy and is growing annually at a high single digit percentage.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eAlibaba has become the worldu0026rsquo;s biggest retailer by building an ecosystem customised for more than 400 million Chinese online consumers who increasingly shop on mobile devices. Wanda, Chinau0026rsquo;s largest commercial property company and cinema operator, has built and runs shopping malls in 100 Chinese cities and is growing a financial services business to serve the 30,000 tenants of those malls.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eBy issuing millions of loyalty cards to retail customers, Wanda gains valuable knowledge about how its tenants are trading, allowing them to offer financial pro-ducts, such as payment cards tailored to customersu0026rsquo; needs. This is old economy transitioning to new economy before our eyes u0026ndash; and on a massive scale.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eOver the next 20 years, another 300 million people u0026ndash; roughly the population of the US u0026ndash; are expected to move from the countryside to Chinese cities. Alibaba, Wanda and many others are plugging directly in to this burgeoning domestic economy. We expect China to navigate its way to a self-sustaining growth less dependent on exports.u0026nbsp;u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThe other side of Chinau0026rsquo;s economic rebalancing requires the government to wind down zombie manufacturing companies that are redundant in todayu0026rsquo;s economic environment. This careful dismantling will take many years and will cause upheaval as millions of workers are required to move to new locations and jobs.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eThe government faces a tricky task to achieve this transition without social unrest, but it is capable of doing so, through measures such as greater social security provision. The cost of addressing dislocated labour for targeted industries may be expensive, perhaps as much as 1-2 per cent of GDP.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eBut in a more centrally-planned economy, much of it state-controlled, China may manage the process better than the US and Europe did in the 1970s and 1980s.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eChinau0026rsquo;s gross debt has reached levels which may be uncomfortably high by international standards. The debt could well rise further, as China tries to apply counter-cyclical stimulus to give itself breathing space to drive through much-needed reforms.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eWhile this stimulus is having diminishing effectiveness, I believe the transition is manageable, especially considering Chinau0026rsquo;s debts are, by and large, domestically held and backed adequately by state and local assets. Chinau0026rsquo;s net debt is comparable to levels in the US, UK and Japan, even after allowing for the debt of State-owned enterprises and the possible need for additional bank capital.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eMany question whether the costs of rebalancing will be borne by banks via loan losses. Were the manufacturing industry to restructure quickly, and were the inherent losses to accrue to those companiesu0026rsquo; lenders, non-performing loans could be significant.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eWhile it is not clear how this will play out, given the degree of State ownership in the banking system and the Stateu0026rsquo;s available resources, we believe the country has the capacity to absorb the rebalancing costs.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eRecent events have revived concerns about central control of the economy and policymakersu0026rsquo; willingness and ability to embrace a free market. China knows it has to loosen the reins and continue to open up its capital account.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eIn conversations with officials, I detect a renewed sense of humility and a willingness to recognise past mistakes, such as missteps over last yearu0026rsquo;s equity market bubble and poor communication around the devaluation of the renminbi. Policy communication has been clearer this year and officials accept there will be bumps on the road to a sustainable economic future, but they are committed to its success.u003c/pu003eu003cpu003eChinau0026rsquo;s short-term challenges are significant. We donu0026rsquo;t expect a smooth path during its transition. But for those who are willing to invest for the long term, the end goal remains enticing.u003c/pu003e
Now is not the time to sell China short
