Reform, opening-up break new ground

Reform and opening-up have been the key reason for the rise of the Chinese economy and thus the Chinese nation. It is through reform and opening-up that China has blazed a unique trail, creating new space for the development of and injecting vitality into socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Four decades of reform and opening-up have facilitated the "epic progress" of China in modern times. It has also integrated China with the world and helped the world to rediscover China, benefiting both the world and the Chinese people in the process.

The per capita disposable income in China's urban areas increased from 343 yuan in 1978 to 36,000 yuan ($5,245) in 2017 while rural per capita net income rose from 134 yuan to 13,400 yuan. And more than 800 million Chinese have been lifted out of absolute poverty, accounting for over 70 percent of global poverty reduction.