Editor's Inaugural Statement

Thank you for reading the first issue of China Finance and Economic Review, an academic journal published by the National Academy of Economic Strategy (NAES), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

We have long hoped to publish such a journal, and after years of preparation, we are able to achieve this today.

As a ‘national academic think-tank’ specializing in economics, the NAES’s mission is to support Chinese policymakers with academic advice on the transformation and development of China's economy. Our task is to provide prompt, comprehensive analysis of important situations on our leading-edge platform. A key to our success in achieving this goal is to keep a global vision.

China is now the second largest economy in the world, and in recent years, Chinese economy has contributed over 20% to total global economic growth. While playing an important role in stabilizing the world economy and combating the global financial crisis, China has developed a unique set of development philosophies, paths, and models. With this background in mind, this journal is aimed at responding to the world's growing interest in China's impact on the world economy by sharing China's economic development theories and practices with the global community.

In this era of globalization, any analysis of China's economy lacking international framework would be incomplete. To understand the dynamic, interconnected relationship between the Chinese economy and the global economy, it is essential to first identify China's position within the global economy. We must draw on the wisdom of not only Chinese economists, but also that of professionals around the world.

New challenges and opportunities stem from uncertainty and turmoil in the global economy. Such an indefinite environment tests the aptitude of think-tanks in every country, including China. In order to respond to the changing world order, we are exploring new models of organizing and operating think-tanks. We draw intelligence from across the world to facilitate our intellectual explorations.

China's philosophy and social sciences are, in general, yet to claim a strong voice and broad worldwide impact. When examining and analyzing Chinese economic contexts, practices and policies, researchers tend to rely on general western concepts, theories, and models. Although useful to a certain degree, such an approach is inadequate because it often fails to integrate intrinsic Chinese factors, and thus fails to depict a complete, real and accurate picture of the development in China. We hope that, with this journal, we could offer an important outlet for indigenous studies by Chinese scholars and open up a new window into China's economy for the international community.

On behalf of NAES, I cordially invite readers and prospective contributors to join us in promoting high-quality research and global understanding of China's finance and economy. To assist with dissemination, it is my great pleasure to present to the world this new journal, CFER.

Academician, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Director, National Academy of Economic Strategy, CASS