International Migration and Development: The Case of China

Zai Liang, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY)
Hideki Morooka, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY)

In this paper, we examine remittance patterns in Fujian Province, the province that has sent the largest number of international migrants in recent decades. Our main theoretical argument is to suggest that researchers move beyond the simple dichotomy of production versus consumption in discussion of the use of remittances. We argue that another dimension of the use of remittances should be considered: remittances used for education and public projects. The educational infrastructure and public projects are an important part of the basic infrastructure that will likely keep the current and future population and stimulate innovations and entrepreneurial spirit. Using data from a survey done in Fujian Province, the empirical part of the paper examines three questions: who remitted, determinants of remittance amount, and how remittances are used. The role of overseas Chinese remittances in China’s economic rise is discussed in the final part of the paper.