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Globalisation is increasingly testing the ability of regional economies to adapt and maintain their competitive edge. This is particularly true in China, where the inland regions which lag behind in infrastructure and private investment face daunting challenges if they are to catch up with the prosperous coastal belt. In January 2000, the Chinese Government launched the "Western Development Strategy" to foster the regional development of the inland regions. Foreign investment is actively sought to support this ambitious effort and the authorities are acutely aware of the need to improve the business environment for domestic and foreign investors alike.

The OECD is particularly well placed to share the experiences and expertise of its Member countries in investment policy practices, investment promotion and regional development policies. This book provides a selection of papers presented at the Foreign Direct Investment in China's Regional Development Conference, organised in Xian on 11-12 October 2001 at the request of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation.

The book reviews regional patterns of FDI inflows in China, investment requirements, opportunities in and comparative advantages of China's regions, and details the types of FDI sought for the Chinese hinterland. It offers business perspectives with regard to what needs to be done. Lessons learned from experiences in Canada, Turkey, Germany and Brazil are discussed, with a particular focus on investment promotion and linkages with local enterprise development. The book concludes with policy messages relevant not only to China but also to other countries striving to improve conditions for investment in their less-developed regions.

This book is part of the OECD's ongoing co-operation with non-Member economies around the world.

This publication can be browsed or purchased at the OECD Online Bookshop.

The following elements from the publication can be downloaded in pdf file format:

• Table of Contents
• Main Issues on Foreign Investment in China's Regional Development
• Synthesis of Discussions and Conclusions

For further information, see the conference website .