A branch office of Agricultural Bank of China in Shanghai.

[Photo source: henannews.com.cn]

Though always on people's minds in one form or another, in the current state of world affairs, global financial market stability is gaining a significant share of the media's attention.  Given the dramatic swing recently in the price of oil to the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States, one can't help but wonder just how far your kuai will take you these days.  And if you're not spending your kuai, just how well are the banks doing when it comes to managing your money? 

Ni hao, you're listening to People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  In this edition of the show we're going to discuss both the world economic downturn's effect on China and Chinese banking reform. So let's get started.

(Music)

First we'll talk to one of the world's leading experts when it comes to economic stability.  We chatted recently with Sir Howard Davis, former deputy governor of the Bank of England who was taking part on a lecture tour here in China.

(Dialogue with Davis)

And after a short break, we'll talk to a Chinese expert about banking reform.

(Promo)

Ni hao, you're listening to People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  I'm Paul James in Beijing.  In this edition of the show we're discussing economics and banking reform.  For the banking side of the equation we're joined on the line now by Professor He Ziyun with the University of International Business and Economics here in Beijing.

(Dialogue with He)

And that wraps up this edition, and this week, of  People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  Economics works in cycles.  So while things seem kind of rough at the moment on a global level, the silver lining is that an upswing is virtually inevitable.  Questions or comments for us can be sent to crieng@crifm.com.  For Executive Director Zhao Yang and Producer Yang Jingjie, I'm Paul James in Beijing.  We'll talk to you on Monday.