26 Years of China's Reform and Opening-up

PLA Daily 2004-08-13

　     Twenty-six years ago, China made a far-reaching decision to open its doors to the outside world and to invigorate the national economy through reform - a policy first initiated by Deng Xiaoping. Looking back, the country has achieved tremendous economic progress with its per-capita GDP having exceeded 1,000 US dollars - fourfold that of twenty-six years ago.

　　Furthermore, Professor Chen Zhanan thinks the adoption of the reform and opening up policy has greatly liberated people's minds.

　　"People no longer stick fast to certain ideas or ways of behavior. The idea of innovation has been deeply rooted in their minds. And former out-dated ideas and ways of doing things have been gradually discarded through reforms."

　　Professor Chen Zhanan adds that the reform and opening up policy was initiated by Deng Xiaoping against the backdrop of a "closed China". At that time, he says, the living standards of Chinese people as well as the productivity levels were quite low.

　　"Deng Xiaoping was determined that without reform there would be an impasse in the country's development. In order to reduce poverty and speed up the development of productivity, it was necessary for China to adopt new policies to attract foreign investment and introduce advanced technology and experiences."

　　Professor Chen says the reform and opening-up policy is the cornerstone of the whole system of Deng Xiaoping Theory. Without it, it would be impossible for China to explore a socialist market economy and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics. And, he concludes, it marks the opening of a brand new page in the annals of China.

　　(CRIENGLISH.com)