Summary
A new China was born in 1949. After thousands of years of feudalism, in six decades the economy has undergone a change from Mao (read socialist economy) to market (socialist market economy). Old China’s New Economy: The Conquest of a Billion Paupers, presents a comprehensive analysis of the rise and growth of the Chinese economy since the beginning of the country’s transition to a socialist market economy, highlighting the critical role of two major change agents – the government and the people. While the credit goes to the former for successful transition to a high growth economy, there is an equally important role played by the latter, the Chinese people, as displayed in their hard work, tenacity and struggle for a better standard of living.
The book analyses the key drivers of high growth, delves into the much debated and discussed issue of sustainability and the numerous challenges that high growth has thrown up for the people and the government. The book also argues that China is likely to see its high growth continuing for many years to come, as it has already secured a strategic position in the global economy.