Available online as PDF file at: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2004/12/pdf/ravallio.pdf

"…..Over the past 25 years, Chinahas made huge strides in its battle against poverty as it has transformed into one of the most dynamic economies in the world. China’s poverty rate today is probably slightly lower than the average for the world as a whole. But around 1980 the incidence of poverty in China was one of the highest in the world.

What might the many developing countries that have been less successful against poverty learn from China’s experience? And what can China learn for its continuing efforts against poverty?

The study shows that, while the incidence of poverty in Chinafell dramatically, progress was uneven. Rural areas accounted for the bulk of the gains to the poor, although migration to urban areas helped. However, for Chinato make more progress against poverty, it will have to confront the problem of rising inequality….."

China’s (Uneven) Progress Against Poverty

Working Paper No.: 3408 - September, 2004

Research Paper [PDF 57p.] at:http://econ.worldbank.org/files/38741_wps3408.pdf