On October 16, during his visit to Fujian, General Secretary Xi Jinping toured the Xiamen section of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone, where he examined the achievements of the zone’s development.
One of the exhibits featured a thick blue-covered book titled “Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy (1985-2000),” which Xi picked up and carefully browsed through.
This document, spanning 15 years of economic and social strategy, was compiled under the leadership of Xi himself, who was then a member of the Xiamen Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor. “Here’s a group photo from the conference we held back then. Time flies,” he remarked, reflecting on a vintage photo taken on March 25, 1988, during a meeting he chaired to discuss this development plan. He recalled every member of the editorial committee, remembering their roles and responsibilities. “We invited many renowned economists to join us at that time…”
In 1985, the State Council approved the expansion of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone to encompass the entire island. As the reforms deepened, there was a pressing need for a strategic development plan to guide the next phase of growth, following five years of initial establishment.
Consequently, Xi took the lead, assembling a task force composed of over 100 experts and researchers from various entities. After extensive research and iterative validations, they produced a comprehensive strategic report exceeding 200,000 words.
The report covered a wide spectrum of topics, including economic planning, industrial development, institutional reforms, technological innovation, ecological preservation, and the cultivation of talent. Xi placed Xiamen’s development within the broader context of China’s reform and opening-up agenda as well as global economic trends, clearly identifying the special economic zone’s strengths and weaknesses. This framework defined its strategic position, guiding principles, objectives, priorities, and strategies for long-term development.
Xi’s work in the Xiamen economic zone marked his first direct involvement in the reform and opening-up of coastal developed regions. Reflecting on the past, he expressed, “When we were drafting this plan, we didn’t know how to establish a free port or manage personnel mobility and financial policies. We had to explore, pilot, and navigate our way forward. Looking at today’s Xiamen, we feel a deep sense of satisfaction. We were part of something groundbreaking, and its current development exceeds our initial expectations.”
More than 30 years later, flipping through the pages of this “blueprint,” many of the innovative ideas and initiatives contained within still hold relevant guiding significance, with several ongoing efforts to deepen their impact. For instance, the three-step approach to special zone construction and the vision for a free port continue to inform Xiamen’s outward development strategy. The early recognition of ecological preservation as part of economic development laid the foundation for Xiamen’s commitment to green growth.
Targeting enhanced regional influence, Xiamen is now ambitiously positioning itself as a pivotal hub promoting both domestic and international economic circulation.
“In modern economic construction, one must think long-term and consider the bigger picture,” Xi emphasized in 1986 during a strategic meeting in Xiamen. “If we only focus on immediate needs without a broader vision, we risk losing our direction and effectiveness.”
In his local governance work, Xi showcased strategic thinking and a historical perspective through initiatives such as the 15-year development plan for Xiamen, the Fuzhou “3820” strategy, and Zhejiang’s “eight-eight strategy.”
Returning to Fujian once more, Xi spoke with heartfelt dedication: “Every government term must aim to benefit the community, rooted in concrete and sustained efforts, with our achievements etched in the hearts of the people.”
As time passes, this remains his unwavering principle and commitment.
