When the Reform and Opening Up process began in 1978 here in China, this country had very little trade with the outside world. But, in a comparatively short time, as China's economic structure went through its metamorphosis, the signs began to emerge that this country was starting to have more of a presence on the international trading market. Of course today, China is a global powerhouse in international trade, with billions upon billions of dollars of goods and services flowing in and out of this country every year. So how exactly did China develop its international trade from 1978 on? Where were its primary markets in the early days? And what was the establishment of trading relationships with other countries like?

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. In this edition of our show marking 30 years of Reform and Opening Up, we'll be talking about its impact on China's global trade. So let's get started.

(Music)

First we'll hear from a Chinese expert on trade. Professor Zhao Zhongxiu is the Dean of the School of International Trade and Economics at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

(Dialogue with Zhao)

And after a short break, we'll hear from a foreign business leader with long-standing ties to China.

(Promo)

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. I'm Paul James in Beijing. In this edition of our show we're again marking the 30th anniversary of Reform and Opening Up, this time talking about its effect on China's international trade. From more on this from a foreign perspective we're joined on the line now by Mr. Peter Harder, President of the Canada-China Business Council.

(Dialogue with Harder)

And with that we close out this edition of  People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International. Had the Chinese leadership of the day not encouraged two-way trade, the China of today, would be vastly different. Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn. For Executive Director Zhao Yang and Producers Xu Yang and Chen Mo, I'm Paul James in Beijing. We'll talk to you tomorrow.