According to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' latest report, Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin are three of the 10 most competitive cities in the country. The report also says that nine of the 10 most competitive cities are in East China.

Although people's standard of livelihood cannot be measured in terms of figures alone, the list shows that the country's economic development is still unbalanced.

The unprecedented economic development over the past three decades has made China the second largest economy in the world, but the fruits of development have not reached everyone.

The development disparity between the eastern and western parts of the country is wide, and the economic divide between urban and rural areas and residents is widening, as is the income gap between the rich and the poor.

To ensure that the country's economy grows healthily and steadily, the government must take measures to correct the imbalances and narrow the divides.

Scientific Outlook on Development calls for inclusive economic development, for only then can all the people share the fruits of development.

Jia Maohui, via e-mail

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(China Daily 06/24/2011 page9)