Assessment of Western China Development and Future Prospects

The 5^th Annual Conference of the Consortium for Western China Development Studies

Xian, Shaanxi, China

July 22-24, 2008

Co-organizers:

·         The Consortium for Western China Development Studies

·         Northwest University

·         GTZ - German Technical Cooperation

Co-sponsors:

·         Shaanxi Provincial Government

·         The Chinese Economists Society

·         Office of Western China Development, State Council

Since the Chinese government launched the west China development in 2000, significant changes have occurred in Western China: rapid economic growth in terms of GDP, large-scale increases in  basic infrastructure investment, industrialization, urbanization, and improvement in people’s livelihood.

Meanwhile, new challenges to the future development of west China have emerged: excess demand for energy and natural resources, pressure of population and environment in urban cities, and enlarged regional disparities. A comprehensive and scientific approach for the sustainable development of Western China is urgently needed.

Northwest University, the Consortium for Western China Development Studies, and GTZ will co-organize an International Conference on “Assessment of West China Development and Future Prospects” on July 22-24, 2008 in Xian, China.  The conference is also co-sponsored by Shaanxi Provincial Government and The Chinese Economists Society, and the Office for Western China Development in the State Council.

The organizers expect 100-200 participants from universities, research institutions, government agencies and business sectors within and outside of China to attend this conference.  Many well-known economists from China, the U.S., Germany and other countries have been invited to participate. The conference is expected (1) to serve as a platform for scholars and government officials to exchange their research and development plans on Western China; (2) to submit policy recommendations on under-developed regions to the central government; and (3) to publish a conference proceedings from selected papers presented at the conference. 

The conference themes will include, but not be limited to, the following topics:

l      The economic development of Western China and the construction of a harmonious society

l         Modernization of agriculture and the Western China development

l         The development of new rural communities in Western China

l         The sustainable development of resources and environment in Western China

l      Women’s Role in Western China development

l             Preserving Cultural Diversity in Under-developed Regions

l      Economic Development for National Minorities in Under-developed Regions

l      Raising Technological Levels in Western China

l      Improving Human Resources and Education in Western China

l      Enhancing Public Healthcare in Western China

l      Assessment of eight years of Western China Development

l      Poverty Alleviation through Migration in Western China

l      NGOs' Role in Western China Development

Abstract Submission

Interested participants should send an abstract of no longer than 250 words to the Program Committee at westchina2008@umich.edu  along with the name, title, affiliation, and contact information of the author (s), or use the online submission form at http://chinadatacenter.org/westchina2008/.

Deadlines

March 15, 2008 - Deadline for abstracts

April 1, 2008 - Notification of paper acceptance

June 30, 2008 - Deadline for completed papers

Registration Fee for the Conference

Registration before May 15, 2008: US$60.00.

Registration after May 15, 2008: US$80.00.

Full-time student: US$30.00.

Please make the payment payable to “The Chinese Economists Society”.

Contact Information: