7gen Bloc

Toward the end of my second day at the World Economic Forum, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate dialogue with Wen Jiabao, the premier of China. An engineer by training, Wen has an eye for detail that our president probably can’t even dream of.

Time magazine has described Wen as a modest, even-tempered and practical person. Wen has guided China through tectonic changes in its economy. He has supported continued economic reform and growth, but also has pointedly called for greater emphasis on social equality for those who have been left out of the country's "economic miracle." Indeed, Wen’s expressions of concern for the plight of ordinary peasants and laborers, whose disaffection has sometimes led to social unrest, have occasionally made him seem to be a populist.

Several things were striking. First, Wen often responded to questions by reflecting on China's limitations and current shortcomings. This may be a cultural quality not unique to the premier, but humility is not a trait that has characterized recent leadership in the US.

Second, I was continually surprised by the man’s willingness to respond to complex questions with detailed, thoughtful answers. Unlike the trend in the US to simplify even the most difficult issues into bumper-sticker slogans, Wen showed himself capable of respecting people’s intelligence. Nor did he shy away from discussing difficult issues, ranging from the current ethical crisis resulting from contaminated infant formula to the lack of success that the country has had in developing its own international brands.

The Premier was asked what advice he would give to the business community. He offered two thoughts, on innovation and morality. For business to succeed it must invest in innovation and always take the highest ethical and moral ground.

Wen did not mention China’s black market and endemic corruption among Chinese officials. Nor did his statements excuse China’s failures, ranging from human rights violations to limited freedom of expression. But it was encouraging to hear him talk about equity and social justice. I ended up liking this man far more than I would ever have expected.

Click here for Part 6

photo: World Economic Forum (click for more pictures of the event)