The "China Human Development Report 1999," released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Beijing on November 18, calls for the "substantial and vigorous role of the state".

Editor and chief author Carl Riskin, East Asia studies scholar at Columbia University, gave a brief introduction to the report at the releasing ceremony.

According to Riskin, the report presents a discussion of "the most pressing human development issues that are being addressed in China," including unemployment and laid-off workers, reform of the social security system, and the growth of regional disparities and inequalities.

The report acknowledges the progress of China's 1994 fiscal reform, but expresses concerns over the "decentralized and fragmented" economy, and suggests that the government enhance fiscal capacity by strengthening its financial and banking arms, Riskin said.

The report also calls for increased government investment in infrastructure, health, education, science and technology, and innovation, according to the editor.

The protection of "China's injured and vulnerable natural environment" is particularly emphasized in the report.

Present at the ceremony were representatives from the UNDP, government departments, and non-governmental organizations.

The report, commissioned by the UNDP and compiled by scholars from China and other countries, is the second in a series since 1997.