Goal 2: "Support Favorable Conditions for National Reform and the Development Process"
China has been successful in many of the goals it set out to achieve when it first initiated its reforms and the transition process in 1978. The results of various reforms and the spectacular economic growth in the 1990s have benefited the people, although unevenly. However, the reform process is by no means complete and there remain some areas where further reforms are required and/or development concerns which act as a deterrent to needed reforms as well as to equitable development.
Goal
Two in many ways tries to address the on-going redefinition of governance
in China. During the CCA exercise and as mentioned above in the Rationale
section, the need to promote good governance and an improved rule of law was
recognised as being crucial not only in creating an enabling environment needed
for a sustained and/or accelerated development of the whole country, but also
to improve social protection, promote equity and reduce marked disparities
in access to basic social services. Good governance is also a stabilising
influence to the uncertainties resulting from fundamental changes caused by
the transition and reform process. China is still in the process of re-visualising
its role in the new market system, the kind of services it should provide,
and how to improve the quality of these services. The Government is also exploring
methods of its cooperation and partnership with other players, how to invite
their participation and fully optimise the capacity of the private sector
and civil society to contribute to development.
The UN system cannot realistically claim to be able to address all issues related to governance. However, the five objectives under this goal do deal with some areas which the UN selected in addressing the issue of changing governance and attempts to assist the Government in this change through partnerships with the Government, other donors, other players such as professional societies and unions to support: the Government's role as main instigator of continued reforms in fiscal and financial areas; as facilitator of a free flowing market; its role as both enforcer and catalyst in the rule of law; its role as forerunner within a partnership of different players in environment protection by raising awareness and introducing environmentally-friendly practices; and its role as facilitator to bring together different interests and disciplines for a more holistic approach to urban development.