Feature Service Articles

Corporate Governance Reforms:
China and World

China presents unique obstacles to the promotion of market-oriented reform in that open discussion of private enterprise or privatization has traditionally been prohibited. Despite the challenges of the political climate, private organizations and think tanks in China have successfully engaged in activities over the last several years to promote the transition to a market economy, with the support and cooperation of CIPE. Through a wide range of activities such as seminars, “how-to” book series and Web site development, these organizations have expanded political discussion, influenced policymakers, and educated economists and the general public on market economics.

CIPE is continuing to support a network of non-governmental think tanks in China that are promoting economic reform and understanding of how market systems function. CIPE 's partners, which include the Unirule Institute of Economics, China Center for Economic Research at Beijing University, and the National Economic Reform Institute, have opened a constructive dialogue with key Chinese decision-makers and are creating a voice for private reformers in the policy process.

These groups are encouraging reform through a variety of programs including developing a Chinese internet network on market economics, research and advocacy on the benefits of economic freedom, training for young economics professors, studies on needed improvements in China's governance and administrative systems, and policy roundtables that help build public support for liberalization measures.

To help China construct the necessary institutions of a market economy, CIPE is working with independent Chinese business leaders, policymakers and regulators to increase support for institutional reform in fighting corruption and promoting corporate governance reform. CIPE is also assisting reformers in China who are exploring how to establish a network of private, voluntary business associations based on the American model.