China's rural marketing structure

This analysis of China's rural marketing structure begins with an exposition of the theoretical background to the distribution of commodities in a socialist economy. Citing the paucity of up-to-date information, the author assumes a degree of continuity and draws on earlier material for his description and analyses of the Chinese rural market. The historical development of market structures is traced from the early 1950s — specific policies are discussed in relation to the evolution of broader Chinese development goals. These policies relate to: planned buying and distribution of rural produce, establishment of supply and market cooperatives, rural-urban trade and the renewed importance of village markets. Finally, the author draws some implications from the Chinese experience for other developing countries.