Dhaka, March 3, 2025 – A seminar titled “New Developmentalism: Rural and Urban Integrity in China” was held at the virtual classroom of the Vice-Chancellor’s office at the University of Dhaka, which is organized by Centre for China Studies(CCS). The keynote speaker was Dr. Prof. Li Xiaoyun, Lead Chair Professor at China Agricultural University (CAU) and Honorary Dean of the college of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA).
Dr. Prof. Li Xiaoyun’s research area covers international development, aid, agriculture and rural development, poverty reduction, gender and development, and sustainable resource management. His extensive research and practice in poverty reduction and international development have won him the reputation of “the Chinese development pioneer” (both in research and practice) and numerous awards.
The session was chaired by Centre for China Studies Bangladeshi Director Prof. Shamsad Mortuza, PhD.
The session explored China’s development trajectory, focusing on the integration of rural and urban sectors within the framework of New Developmentalism. Dr. Li Xiaoyun presented a comprehensive analysis, highlighting key aspects of China’s modernization, industrialization without an agricultural revolution, and the role of agriculture in supporting industrial development from the 1950s to the 1970s.
The seminar covered China’s transition since the Reform and Opening-up period (1980s-1990s), emphasizing rural industrialization, urbanization, and global economic integration. It also detailed significant policy measures in the 21st century, including the abolition of agricultural tax, the establishment of a rural minimum living standard guarantee system, and the implementation of a new rural cooperative medical scheme.
Dr. Li further elaborated on China's poverty alleviation strategy (2015–2020), which led to the historic eradication of absolute poverty in the country. He also discussed the Rural Revitalization Phase, outlining China’s substantial investments in rural infrastructure and economic development.
The seminar also examined China’s unique approach to modernization and the crucial role of an effective government in latecomer modernization, particularly for Southern countries. Dr. Li emphasized key lessons from China’s development, including the importance of political stability, industrialization benefiting farmers, and the need for a strategic long-term government approach.
The event was graced by Dr. Shi Jiaoqun, Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Bangladesh, who attended as the chief guest. The discussion provided valuable insights into China’s experience with rural-urban integration and its implications for developing nations.
Along with Ms. Xu Jin, Associate Professor, Assistant Dean of CIDGA, CAU numerous agricultural specialists from across the country, along with both native and foreign students, as well as national and international news media, were present at the event.
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, where participants engaged in discussions on how China’s development model could offer insights for other nations pursuing rural-urban integration and economic modernization.
After the seminar, the speaker, the chief guest, and a few other agricultural specialists visited the Centre for China Studies (CCS) at the University of Dhaka (DU), where they had a productive short discussion with Centre for China Studies Bangladeshi Director Prof. Shamsad Mortuza, PhD.
