Economic Reforms and Recent Macroeconomic Performance

This chapter briefly reviews China’s economic reform process, emphasizing its key characteristics and major phases. Recent macroeconomic developments are then analyzed, focusing upon those factors contributing to the economy’s recent economic slowdown. The impact of the Asian financial crisis on the Chinese economy is also highlighted as well as the likelihood of a devaluation of the country’s exchange rate. The authorities’ policy response to the economic slowdown, in terms of maintaining growth and expanding employment opportunities while maintaining low inflation, is outlined and evaluated.