INTRODUCTION
China experiences a huge development with growth rate of the GDP beyond 8% for about 20 years. Among several factors, infrastructures and facilities are often considered as one of the components that have helped China to achieve such performances. How to consider the role of the railway industry in this economic growth? What role can be assigned to the Chinese railways in the Chinese development?
Railway appeared in China in the last quarter of the 19th century. Today, the Chinese railway network is one of the largest in the world. Rail is one of the most used means of conveyance in China, especially for long distance. The development of the Chinese railway network seems however to have followed the economic growth. As a result strong disparities occur between geographical areas. Although the Chinese railway is an extremely significant and powerful industrial field in itself in China, its main impacts on the development come through its role as a tool for land settlement. What are the links between growth and railway? Which role can the railway industry plays in the Chinese development? Which are the upcoming challenges that the Chinese Railway Industry will have to face?
In this study, we will first try to have an overview of the Chinese railways market, its history its achievements and its organization. Then we will consider the links between railways and development: first we will examine the railway industry itself and then we will try to point out the externalities of the railway network that benefit to growth and development. Finally we will try to consider the Chinese railway shortcomings and see what solutions are foreseen and how China can deal with them.
I) Railways in China: Market Overview
a. ...