About us

Click here to download the CDI Brochure as PDF.

The China Development Institute (CDI) is an independent think tank based in Shenzhen that develops policy solutions through research and debates to help advance China’s reform and opening-up. CDI provides actionable policy recommendations for decision makers in both the public and private sectors.

CDI undertakes research projects on national macroeconomic policy, regional economy, industrial planning and innovation policy, urbanization and sustainable development, and corporate investment strategies commissioned by the Chinese government at all levels and businesses from home and abroad.

CDI’s debates engage academia, government, business and civil society around the globe to discuss issues related to the economic and social developments. The events vary in formats and are organized both in China and overseas with partners.

CDI was jointly founded in 1989 by 116 government officials, economists and entrepreneurs with the approval from the Chinese State Council. After more than three decades of development, it has become one of the leading think tanks in China, with over 170 full-time staff.