单选题
Nearly all major European companies are in favor of the single currency. But having recently agreed on a historic, transatlantic merger with Chrysler Corp. of the United States, we feel especially attuned to the forces of global competition that make the euro so essential. For our new company, Daimler Chrysler AG, and for Germany and Europe as a whole, economic and monetary union will bring substantial and lasting benefits as we take our place in the interdependent world of the 21st century.
Those benefits will take shape, indeed, are already occurring, in several realms at once. First and most fundamental is the political. The single currency will push the countries of Europe into cooperating more and more in seeking solutions to common economic problems. As they do so, they'll grow increasingly intertwined politically.
At the same time, the euro will unleash powerful market forces certain to transform the way Europeans live and work. The years ahead will bring increased efficiency, greater productivity, higher overall living standards and lower unemployment. For businesses, a common currency will reduce transaction costs—eliminating, among other things, the unnecessary waste of resources involved in dealing with several European currencies. At present, doing business across borders means having to buy and sell foreign currencies and taking the risk that sudden changes in their relative value could upend an otherwise sound business strategy. The risks can be hedged, of course, but only at a cost that must ultimately be borne by customers.
The market forces unleashed by the euro will be felt not just by corporate managers but also by political leaders. Business executives are already working to rationalize their companies, enhance productivity and improve labor flexibility. Elected officials, facing competition as they try to attract the investments that create jobs, will eventually lower corporate tax rates land streamline regulation. In so doing, governments will give corporations a boost, like the reduction in the cost of capital that came about as countries tightened their fiscal and monetary policies in preparation for EMU.
These changes are mutually reinforcing. And as they take hold, Euroland companies will row more confident about committing resources to long-term projects. A look at the level of corporate mergers in recent years shows that managers have already stepped up making their strategic decision. Euroland will be a strong base for companies striving to compete globally. Euroland already trades with the rest of the world as much as the United States does, and the picture will change in favor of Europe as soon as the United Kingdom, and others who have stayed out of the first wave, join the currency union. Such a development—the sooner the better is something we would very much welcome.
Launching the new euro is one thing; successfully managing the EMU process in the years ahead is quite another. Implementation poses major challenges. Some will be technical; others will have to do with maintaining a unity of purpose among a diverse group of nations, regions, peoples and cultures. I believe, however, that Europe possesses the unshakable political will and financial expertise needed to keep this endeavor on track.

单选题 According to the first paragraph, European companies think
A it is much easier for them to conduct international acquisitions.
B economic globalization lays the foundation for the euro.
C the euro is launched to their advantages.
D the single currency will bring stability to them.

单选题 The benefit referred to in the second paragraph is that
A European countries can interfere in the affairs of others.
B European companies will cooperate actively.
C economic problems will be solved more smoothly.
D governments in Europe will be more united than before.

单选题 Within the euro zone, doing business will
A be at risks because of the variation in exchange rate.
B be costly because of a waste of resources.
C be more cost-effective with the absence of currency issue.
D be beneficial to the workers and local consumers.

单选题 According to the text, companies will see a boom because
A governments provide a supportive business environment.
B the cost of capital and corporate tax are decreased.
C managers spare no efforts to develop their companies.
D political officials improve the process of working.

单选题 According to the text, if more European countries become members of EMU,
A Europe will develop further on a political and economic basis.
B more company wilt go global and compete in international market.
C European economy will make greater progress than before.
D international trades in Europe will surpass the United States.

单选题 In the process of monetary union in Europe,
A advancement in science and technology is needed.
B European countries should be in collaboration with one another.
C European countries should adopt similar political policies.
D experts should be engaged in the improvement of financial systems.