30 in 30 - 1995: Going west for balanced development

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-06-2008 17:00

China's coastal areas were the first to benefit from the country's reform and opening up during the 1980s. But as certain parts of the nation became more developed, China's west was largely left behind. In today's 30 in 30, we look back at 1995, when the economic surge began to head inland.

For a large nation like China, where the land could span three time zones, the push towards modernization could never occur all at once.(CCTV.com)

For a large nation like China, where the land could span three time zones, the push towards modernization could never occur all at once.

Fourteen cities along the eastern and southern coasts were the first to open their doors to the outside as the nation's frontline of reform. But while these regions developed quickly by taking advantage of easy transportation and large markets, many places inland lagged behind.

Starting in the 1990s, the country began to phase in efforts to create a geographically balanced economy, extending the boom to western regions. Covering 70% of China's territory, the west was virgin territory for many business entrepreneurs.

In 1995, a prime-time TV news program sent a reporting team to cover the economic development of western China.

Changes could even be seen in Tibet, the country's most remote region. The Autonomous Region on the high plateau had just drawn up new plans to accelerate its economy, and business soon flourished on the streets.