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Regional Divergence of per capita GDP in China: 1991-99

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  • Zheng Wang

Abstract

Using China's regional data from 1991 to 1999, this paper investigates inter-regional income inequalities. GMM estimation has been used to explore a dynamic panel data model based on the Solow growth model. We find that regions conditionally converge to their own steady states at an annual rate of 8%, indicating around 8 years for a region to halve the deviation from its balanced growth path. However, the panel data exploration of convergence could not explain the catching up phenomenon. To see whether poorer regions can grow faster than richer ones, sigma and absolute beta divergence have been employed. We find that when the regional income gap enlarges during the 1990s, the initially poor regions do not catch up with the initially rich regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng Wang, 2004. "Regional Divergence of per capita GDP in China: 1991-99," Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(1), pages 39-53.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:jocebs:v:2:y:2004:i:1:p:39-53
    DOI: 10.1080/14760280310001631372
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Jesus Herrerias & Javier Ordóñez, 2014. "Stochastic Regional Convergence in China: The Role of Regional Clusters in a Nonlinear Perspective (1952–2007)," Pacific Economic Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 19(2), pages 153-169, May.
    2. Mei Wen, 2007. "Foreign direct investment, regional market conditions and regional development," The Economics of Transition, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vol. 15(1), pages 125-151, January.
    3. Marine Hadengue & Thierry Warin, 2013. "Patterns of Specialization and (Un)conditional Convergence: The Cases of Brazil, China and India," CIRANO Working Papers 2013s-17, CIRANO.
    4. M. Herrerías, 2012. "Weighted convergence and regional growth in China: an alternative approach (1952–2008)," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 49(3), pages 685-718, December.
    5. Chi-Wei Su & Hsu-Ling Chang, 2013. "Is income converging in China?," The Economics of Transition, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vol. 21(2), pages 341-356, April.
    6. Herrerias, M.J. & Ordoñez, J., 2012. "New evidence on the role of regional clusters and convergence in China (1952–2008)," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 1120-1133.

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