Unlike the poor in many developing countries, those in Central and Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, are highly connected to network utilities. During the early 1990s, it became clear that without subsidies, many households would have difficulty paying their utility bills. Governments...

Comprehensive reform of China's pension and social security system is an essential element of achieving its objectives of a harmonious society and sustainable development. Over the past few years, the Government has considered various options and initiated several significant measures. In 2009...

China is at a critical juncture in its economic transition. A comprehensive reform of its pension and social security systems is an essential element of a strategy aimed toward achieving a harmonious society and sustainable development. Among policy makers, a widely held view is that the...