China's Reform and Opening: Transition from Central Planning to Market Socialism (1978–1992)

1. Xiaogang contract sparks household responsibility system

   Nov 24, 1978Labels: Xiaogang village, Household contract

   • China org cn
   • China org cn

2. Third Plenum launches “reform and opening”

   Dec 18, 1978Labels: Third Plenum, Communist Party

   • China org cn
   • NPC Notes

3. China adopts first modern foreign joint-venture law

   Jul 1, 1979Labels: Foreign joint, Ministry of

   • Supreme Court
   • CMR

4. Central leaders approve pilot “special zones” concept

   Jul 15, 1979Labels: Party Center, Special zones

   • CCTV
   • People s Daily

5. Four Special Economic Zones are formally named

   May 16, 1980Labels: Special Economic, SEZs

   • CCTV
   • China org cn

6. Shenzhen SEZ is established by national decision

   Aug 26, 1980Labels: Shenzhen SEZ, Shenzhen

   • Shenzhen SEZ
   • China org cn

7. 1982 Constitution consolidates a stable legal framework

   Dec 4, 1982Labels: 1982 Constitution, National People's

   • Yosha Bunko

8. Fourteen “open coastal cities” expand the opening strategy

   May 1, 1984Labels: Open Coastal, coastal cities

   • PRC History
   • China Consulate

9. Party endorses a comprehensive urban economic reform program

   Oct 20, 1984Labels: Decision on, 12th Central

   • CIA FOIA
   • Deng Works

10. Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law opens a new investment form

    Apr 12, 1986Labels: WFOE Law, foreign enterprises

    • LehmanLaw
    • SEC Archive

11. Constitution amended to allow land-use rights transfers

    Apr 12, 1988Labels: Constitution amendment, land-use rights

    • 1988 Amendment

12. State Council issues rules to recognize private enterprises

    Jun 25, 1988Labels: State Council, Private enterprise

    • 110 Fagui

13. Deng’s 1992 Southern Tour re-accelerates market reforms

    Jan 19, 1992Labels: Deng Xiaoping, Southern Tour

    • Southern Tour
    • NPC Notes