| Abstract: | This paper analyses Chinese manufacturing performance from a multilateral perspective in 1980–2004. The PPPs, relative price
levels, labor productivity and ULCs in multilateral comparison are used to explore Chinese manufacturing competitiveness.
The PPPs are based on the benchmark year 1997. These results are compared to the previous estimates based on the 1987 benchmark.
The findings are as follows: the PPPs derived by the different approaches in the base year 1997 in Chinese manufacturing are
approximately 3.7 yuan/international $. Since the middle 1980s, China’s relative price level has been the lowest among all
five countries and declined during the period of time. Its ULC has also been declining with some fluctuation. In the 1980s,
there was “no catch-up rapid growth” in its labor productivity. However, after 1992, a beginning has been made with catch
up distinctly, though from a very low level.
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 70173029, 70571004 and 70531010.
Ruoen Ren Professor of School of Economics & Management in Beihang University received Ph.D. in Economics in Renmin University of China
in 1987. As one who enjoys the Government Special Allowance, he specializes in the study of international competitiveness,
macroeconomics analysis, input-output table research, and credit risk management etc. His primary academic achievements are
as follows: ICP in China, ICOP in China, KLEMS in China, Credit risk management in China commercial bank. In addition to his teaching and research at school, he is a chief economist in China Development Bank, a member in Science
& Technical committee in Ministry of Education, and an executive director in China’s Input-output Association, etc.
Haitao Zheng Doctorial candidate of School of Economics & Management in Beihang University, majors in the study on international competitiveness
and insurance actuary. Meanwhile, he is an Associate of Society of Chinese Actuary. |
