March 2013: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published the 2013 edition of its Economic Survey of China. The survey highlights economic progress and the need for continued efforts on issues including financial sector reform and the environment.

Issues addressed in the report include urbanization, growth and social inclusion and reforms for a cleaner, healthier environment. The report indicates that anticipated continued economic growth will require further large-scale urbanization and therefore, issues surrounding the legal system governing the use of land must be addressed to meet demand for urban expansion. It is also noted that reducing air and water pollution remains an ongoing environmental challenge.

Recommendations include: inclusive urbanization through the provision of services including public transportation and access to education; on greening growth, encouraging energy conservation by raising excise duties on gasoline and deregulating pricing, increasing levies and pollution taxes and establishing targets for a broader range of environment objectives as well as stepping up enforcement measures.

This survey is published as part of the OECD Economic Surveys, which reveiw the economies of member countries and, from time to time, selected non-members. [OECD Press Release] [Publication: Economic Survey of China]