A book recounting the early days of China's reform and opening-up drive 30 years ago, written by former Vice Premier Li Lanqing, was released on November 17, 2008.

The book, including many historic documents and pictures, was published by the Central Party Literature Press.

Li served as vice premier from 1993 to 2003.

The Chinese-language book, based on Li's experience, tells about major decisions taken during that period, namely from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. These decisions included establishing special economic zones, introducing advanced technologies, setting up joint ventures, utilizing foreign loans and reforming the foreign trade system.

It gives the picture of how the Chinese leadership, with late leader Deng Xiaoping at the core, led the country in emancipating its thinking and overcoming difficulties in pursuing the reform and opening-up policy.

Li said he wanted the book to help readers, especially the young, to better understand that era and cherish its hard-won achievements.

Former President Jiang Zemin wrote a testimonial in the book, in which he said that the reform and opening-up drive was an important milestone in China's development history. He urged the country to continue pursuing the path blazed by Deng.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2008)