Emerging Economies Transition Ser.

The present standard of living in China is, on average, the highest in the countrys history, due to the spectacular economic growth rates achieved since 1978, averaging eight to nine per cent per year. However, economic disparities have also widened very significantly during this period, raising questions about the appropriateness and sustainability of existing policies. This publication contains papers from an OECD seminar, held in Paris in October 2003 and organised in conjunction with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China, which consider current income inequality trends and causes of Chinas growing economic disparities, data issues, the driving forces behind these trends and possible policy responses.