Construction industry in China's regional economy, 1990-1998

Abstract

Construction has been perceived as a pillar industry in China's economic revitalization. Policies and programmes have been implemented by the central and local governments to promote the development of the national and local construction industries, in the hope of driving the growth of the economy. Developments in China's economy and in particular, in different regions, can be used to test the hypotheses on the relationship between construction and economic development. This paper examines the geographical distribution of construction in the provinces of China, and the relationship between construction and regional economic growth. It also studies different types of projects, ownership patterns, and levels of technology applied. The study provides useful insights into the relationships between the construction industry, and the economy and development especially at the regional level.