"The stronger than expected GDP number confirms that the US did not really experience a recession in classic terms, but instead experienced an economic slowdown, " said Edgar Peters, chief investment officer at PanAgora Asset Management in Boston said.

BBC: Surprise jump in US growth

"The best way to achieve the results we desire is through engagement and communication, and the SED is an important tool to further the U.S.-China economic relationship, " says Donald Evans, chief executive officer of the Financial Services Forum, a group whose members include Citibank, Bank of America, HSBC and Paulson's alma mater, Goldman Sachs.

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Nani Beccalli-Falco, chief executive officer of General Electric Europe, said Germany was the "economic locomotive" of Europe.

CNN: GE Europe chief eyes investment in Germany

Dana Olson is president and chief executive officer of Ecodev, which provides site selection analysis services and economic development consulting for companies that need to relocate or expand.

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