(Correspondent Gong Yongxiang) The 63rd Xi Xian Forum, co-hosted by the Center for International Cooperation and Disciplinary Innovation of Income Distribution and Public Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) and the School of Public Finance and Taxation, ZUEL, was successfully held in Conference Room 119, Wenqin Building on October 30, 2024. Associate Professor Xue Sen from the Institute for Economic and Social Research, Jinan University delivered a keynote speech titled "Building Hope for the Poor" as the keynote speaker for the 63rd Xi Xian Forum. This academic forum was hosted by Researcher Ye Jingjing from the Center for International Cooperation and Disciplinary Innovation of Income Distribution and Public Finance. Over 20 people attended the forum, including Associate Professor Yan Weibao and Teacher Wang Zhonghua from the School of Public Finance and Taxation, ZUEL, as well as researchers Zou Jianwen, Zou Wei, Wan Qian, and Lin Jiada from the center, and other teachers and students.
There is considerable international attention on the actual poverty alleviation effects of relocation projects, and significant progress has been made. However, there is limited research analyzing the potential impacts of housing improvements in original locations on the income of rural residents and the mechanism involved. Professor Xue Sen used this as a starting point to share his insights and research approach regarding original location housing improvement projects in China's ethnic minority areas with the attending teachers and students. He concluded through empirical analysis that: Firstly, original location housing improvements have significantly increased the income levels of relatively poor populations; secondly, the mechanism analysis indicates that this positive income effect primarily arises from improvements in health conditions and increased investments thanks to better living conditions; finally, the study compared the effects of this project with those of relocation projects in terms of benefits. Further analysis also revealed that among populations with lower levels of education and income, the funds obtained from original location housing improvement projects are more likely to be directed toward non-housing-related consumption. Therefore, assessing the effectiveness of transfer payment methods requires a specific analysis based on the specific issues.
While delivering a wonderful speech to the attending teachers and students, Professor Xue Sen also sparked reflections on the economic effects and social benefits brought about by improvements in housing conditions. During the discussion session, teachers and students actively engaged in exchanges and interactions, centering on how to effectively harness the economic effects brought about by improvements in housing conditions.
Guest Profile
Xue Sen, a graduate of the Australian National University, is a tenured associate professor at the Institute for Economic and Social Research at Jinan University and the deputy director of the Survey Data Center, Jinan University. He is also the associate editor of the Journal of Population Economics. His research fields focus on applied microeconomics, including development economics, labor economics, and microeconometrics. His research findings have been published in renowned journals in his research fields such as the Journal of Development Economics, Journal of Comparative Economics, and Journal of Population Economics, among others. Additionally, Xue has undertaken responsibilities for several international research projects.