Regional Migration Differences and Economic Growth: Panel Data and Evidence in Western Region of China

摘要

Using data from several Chinese censuses, surveys and yearbooks, we provide a new perspective for the study of rural-urban migration, regional differences and economic growth of Gansu in China for 1990 to 2000. We find that economic conditions impact strongly on the growth relationship at provincial levels. Our results demonstrate that rural-urban migration favors growth in the economically stronger provinces, and that the full benefits of migration are realized when competition in local markets is at its strongest. From our results in is clear that polices need to be crafted at the provincial level to maximize the growth benefits of migration.