Quick Guide: China's economic reform
Printable version
Early years

Opening up

Cooling off

Renewed growth

Economic giant

Opening up
Deng created special economic zones to attract foreign investors

In 1978 Deng Xiaoping became leader and began an ambitious programme of economic reform aimed at raising rates of foreign investment and growth.

He ended collective farming, initiating a "responsibility system" which freed farmers to choose what crops to grow and sell any surplus for profit.

Deng encouraged foreign trade and investment through joint ventures.

In the south, zones were created giving investors tax concessions in exchange for revenue and technical knowledge.