Timeline

February 1978: The State Council points out "China has to make a big stride" to increase the nation's foreign exchange, which marks the beginning of China's foreign trade strategy.

May 1980: China announces the setting up of special economic zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shantou of Guangdong province, identifying the zones as a trial of China's reform and opening-up policy.

1999: The Chinese government initiates the strategy of flourishing trade through science and technology to stimulate exports of mechanical and electrical products.

January 1999: China gives the nod to private companies and institutes to get involved in foreign trade.

November 2001: China joins the World Trade Organization.

November 2002: China signs full cooperative agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on establishing China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

2009: China overtakes Germany as the largest exporter worldwide.

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page25)