The Prelude to Government Reform in China?

This article discusses two aspects of government reform in Shunde County in Guangdong during the 1990s, ahead of national developments. One was the restructuring of the government, including: marketization; delinking of enterprises and government bureaus; rationalization of organizational boundaries; and streamlining of the top city leadership structures. The other involved the divestment of public assets and a substantial redefinition of the role of the government in the economy. The role of local agency is highlighted in the processes of change, and the national impact of Shunde’s early reforms is noted.