China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to improve connectivity and cooperation on a transcontinental scale. This study, by a team of World Bank Group economists led by Michele Ruta, analyzes the economics of the initiative. It assesses the connectivity gaps between economies along...

"China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to improve connectivity and cooperation on a transcontinental scale. This study, by a team of World Bank Group economists led by Michele Ruta, analyzes the economics of the initiative. It assesses the connectivity gaps between economies along...

A large sector of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is well known as the hallmark of the Chinese economy. But exactly how much do they contribute to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and employment? Since available statistics do not provide a straightforward answer, this note attempts to...

A large sector of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is well known as the hallmark of the Chinese economy. But exactly how much do they contribute to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employment? Since available statistics do not provide a straightforward answer, this note attempts to...

This note explores the desirable direction for further reform of China's state-owned enterprise (SOE) dividend policy. This study represents an effort in exploring the desirable direction for further reform. It is an extension of the previous World Bank studies (World Bank, 2005, 2007) on this...

China has made remarkable gains in industrialization and development. Over the past three decades, it has maintained gross domestic product (GDP) growth of about 9 percent per year and lifted more than 400 million people out of poverty. Entering the 21st century, China is determined to ensure...