Bill Stafford, President, Trade Development Alliance (TDA)

Initiative Session Date: December 13, 2005

Summary:

Mr. Stafford discussed some of the highlights from his November 2005 trip to China with the Trade Development Alliance (TDA).  He observed many differences since his previous trip in 1985, including the industrialization of the entire region.  Every city and province, he said, is required to have a sector-based vision and strategy for their economy.  The Chinese, he continued, are trying to determine what the industries of the future are and then respond to the opportunities through initiatives.  Rampant corruption and a virtually non-existent legal system, however, impede life for many individuals living in China.  Mr. Stafford also pointed out that much of the land in China is not suitable for agriculture.  Many people choose to move to cities for non-agricultural work, but are unable to lease or sell the land due to the absence of land rights.  He agreed with Professor Prosterman that the establishment of rule of law is important to ensure that farmers are able to transfer their wealth and receive fair compensation.

“Around 1990, the central provinces, the western province, and the coastal provinces [of China] all had about the same income, and then by 2002 or so the differential was dramatic…that is the whole point of the developing world now is this movement, migration to cities, so you see people begging in some of the cities which you would not have seen a long time ago.”

      - Bill Stafford, speaking to the Initiative for Global Development

Biography