Central Government's Infrastructure Investment across Chinese Regions: A Dynamic Spatial Panel Data Approach

Zheng, Xinye and Li, Fanghua and Song, Shunfeng and Yu, Yihua (2013): Central Government's Infrastructure Investment across Chinese Regions: A Dynamic Spatial Panel Data Approach. Forthcoming in: China Economic Review

Abstract

This study employs spatial panel techniques to examine determinants of regional allocation of infrastructure investment made by the central government. Using a sample of 31 Chinese provinces over the 2001-2008 period, we derived four major empirical findings. First, there exist substantial spatial interactions of central government's investment across regions. Second, the central investment exhibits a highly persistent effect. Third, the central government attempts to balance equity and efficiency in its decision-making. Last, the political factor plays a significant role in the regional infrastructure investment.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Infrastructure investment; efficiency-equity tradeoff; spatial interaction
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C33 - Panel Data Models ; Spatio-temporal Models; H - Public Economics > H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies > H54 - Infrastructures ; Other Public Investment and Capital Stock; R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics > R0 - General

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