外刊经贸知识选读2017年4月真题试题及答案解析（00096）

A popular Japanese political leader has the power to change Japan’s trade policies.

American forest products will be exported to Japan more smoothly.

For most people involved in the production and trading of “soft” or agricultural commodities, this is proving lo be a grim decade. Prices are in many cases at, or near historic lows in real terms as markets struggle to cope with floods of surplus produce. And—with most soothsayers forecasting flat, or still lower, prices —the markets themselves have lost much of their allure. Speculators who profited handsomely from the price volatility of the 1970s have deserted soft commodities for the newer excitement of financial futures or the security and big yields afforded by the equity and money market. It is strange, indeed, to observe that only 10 years have elapsed since many respected forecasters were warning of impending global shortages of basic raw materials and foodstuffs.

Japan plans to spend three years to lessen its import restrictions.

Washington faces obstacles not only from Tokyo’s government offices but also from Japanese traditions.

Agriculture is encouraged by Chinese government for foreign investment.

Analysts prospect that foreign funds flowing into China will decrease in 1995.

Passage 2

Tokyo

American hopes that pressure from the U. S. will force Japan to suddenly dismantle its trade barriers are almost certain to evaporate in disappointment.The fact is that Washington faces an obstacle far more formidable than a few power brokers in Tokyo’s government offices. It must buck centuries-old, deeply ingrained Japanese customs. To move the Japanese government, Washington must move an entire nation.So far, the U. S. has had only limited success despite congressional threats to retaliate. In an April 9 nationwide broadcast, Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone urged the Japanese to buy more imported goods and unveiled a long-awaited three-year plan to ease import restrictions. But his program was far short of what Washington hoped to see.White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan said the Japanese offered “few new or immediate measures,” While the plan did promise fewer curbs on imports of telecommunications gear, medicine and medical equipment, it offered no relief for American forest products—which are among the most contentious trade issues.Nakasone gives every sign of being sincere in his desire to reduce a Japanese surplus in trade with the U. S. that hit 36.8 billion dollars in 1984 and could soon top 50 billion. Yet to rely on any one Japanese political leader, no matter how popular he is at home, to reverse trade policies is to underestimate the culture and traditions that weigh heavily against a breakthrough.

Japan agrees to eliminate its trade barriers under the pressure of the U. S..

Foreign investors went into property development for speculation.

Foreign investors are satisfied with China’s workforce.

Passage 1

China Tries Guiding Foreign InvestmentIn the late 1980s and early 1990s, as China experienced booming annual growth rates of more than 10% and stepped up its move toward a market economy, billions of dollars of foreign investment went mainly into lucrative, short-term property development and fairly basic, low-technology manufacturing plants.But the urban real estate sector has become thoroughly overheated. As a result of Beijing’s greater emphasis on managed investment, foreign investors will now be encouraged to move away from speculative property development and toward selected high-tech and infrastructure projects. Priority areas for investment would include the energy, transportation, telecommunications, biotechnology and environmental technology. Agriculture is also a priority.The total amount of foreign funds flowing into China in 1995 may not decline by much, analysts say, but foreign investors will find themselves asked to adjust their plans to fit China’s next five-year plan of economic reform, which begins in 1996.Apart from channeling the flow of capital, the Chinese authorities are keen to reap benefits that go beyond money. They want more technology transfer, help in improving management at state enterprises and employee training.“The bottleneck now is people, not technology, not capital, not bureaucracy,” said one foreign investor. “That is why we invest in training of thousands of Chinese managers, engineers and skilled workers.”

China’s real estate sector needs more foreign investment.

Passage 2

In the past few days differences between the United States and the European Community on farm trade have narrowed almost to nothing. As a result the world is now close to concluding the Uruguay round of GATT talks. That deal is admittedly far from perfect, a series of messy compromises. The cause of free trade will have many more battles to fight. Never mind. On a conservative estimate (the Uruguay round would) permanently raise global welfare by more than $ 100 billion a year, (spur economic growth everywhere) (especially in the world’s poorest countries) and extend competition to hitherto (sheltered), and therefore backward, parts of all economies. By any standards, it would be a hugely valuable achievement.

39、On what grounds does it say “the Uruguay round would... spur economic growth everywhere”?

40、What does “sheltered” mean here?

41、Why would an economy be backward once it is “sheltered”?

consumer goods

Passage 1

The slowdown of the industrial countries in 1991 partly originated in structural problems inherited from the 1980s. Slower growth in Europe in 1991 revealed that unemployment, for instance, was still a structurally problematic area. Financial stress brought on by excessive debt in the household and corporate sectors was an example of another kind of structural problem, in particular for the economies of Japan and the United States. Financial institutions in these two countries adopted more conservative; lending policies, curtailing financing of higher-risk projects such as commercial construction and highly leveraged corporate transactions. A number of weaker institutions were also consolidated through bankruptcy, merger and reorganization. These developments played some part in the general tightening of credit during 1991, which may have helped to slow the pace of investment in the United Slates and Japan. (Weak growth of credit) and (a fall in some asset prices) probably slowed (consumption), as well.

36、Did “a fall in some asset prices” have anything to do with “weak growth of credit”?

37、What does “consumption” here? Is it consumption of the consumer goods or that of the capital goods?

38、How could “weak growth of credit and a fall in some asset prices” slow down consumption?

tender

fledgling industries

insolvency

per capital income

securities

commercial hub

portfolio investment

certificate of origin

特许专营权

the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

贸易逆差

贴现率

知识产权

经济特区

跨行业公司

可兑换货币

贸易制裁

赠券

财政一揽子计划

Inadequate transport network and energy constraints are practical (bottlenecks) in our economy.

China is likely to (supplant) Japan as America’s largest business partner in Asia.

The government should pay attention to the (grassroots) reaction to reform and open policy.

The multinational company is (reaping) rewards of its foreign investment in developing countries.

Western economists recently argue that China is the most (dynamic) market in the world.

The (aggregate) output for developing countries advanced by less than 2% last year.

Japan has set targets lo cut taxes, (rein in) powerful trade unions and reduce public spending.

The (slump) in consumer confidence has created panic in the stock market.

There is a violent (backlash) against the latest health care reform in the U. S..

Greece’s budget deficit threatened the economic stability of (languishing) euro zone countries.

The Federal Reserve announced a plan to purchase $ 300 million long-term government bonds to (bolster) the nation’s economy.

Economists (reckon) that the euro will slide to less than parity with the dollar within a year.

One of the central (justifications) for the single market was its ability to create great economic prosperity.

Faced with declining revenues, the Saudi Arabian government was reluctant to pay in cash but to offer crude oil of (equivalent )value.

It’s morally (indefensible) when companies contributing to destroying jobs and wealth also earn a lot of money.