Wang Qishan: the mainland's economic reformer in waiting
Like his mentor Zhu Rongji, Wang Qishan is known as a problem solver. Many say his next task is prying the economy further open
With similar personalities, working styles and political careers, Wang and former premier Zhu, a respected reformist, have even shared many nicknames, including problem solver, fire-brigade captain, crisis manager and troubleshooter.
Both have been described as straight-talking, dynamic and decisive, rare traits in Chinese officialdom, where talking the talk while doing nothing is the safest path to promotion.
Wang, who is responsible for overseeing the financial sector and foreign trade and who has built up quite a reputation in recent years as the point man for China's economic integration with the global economy, was once seen as Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's closest rival in the race to become the next premier.
With Li, President Hu Jintao's protégé, set to take over from Wen Jiabao as premier next year, party insiders say Wang is most likely to be appointed executive vice-premier in charge of finance, trade, overall macroeconomic policy and reform. Speculation had also been rife lately that Wang was to become the top legislator, as he made a rare appearance last week at a Standing Committee session of the National People's Congress.
