Shenzhen lists 10 trademark reform events

BEIJING, Dec. 26 -- Shenzhen unveiled a list of the 10 most influential events that spearheaded China’s reform and opening up from 1978 to 1992 at a ceremony Thursday.

Among the events were the establishment of the mainland's first export-oriented processing zone in Shekou in 1979, posting of the catchphrase "Time is Money and Efficiency is Life" and the construction the International Trade Building in 1984, during which one story was built every three days with "Shenzhen Speed."

The others included cancellation of the ration coupon system from the planned economy in 1982, the establishment of the first shareholding enterprise on the mainland in 1983, the first auction of State land in 1987, the establishment of a labor contract system in 1981, the first group of migrant workers in 1978, the first volunteer organization in 1989 and the speeches of late leader Deng Xiaoping in his tour in southern China in 1992.

Seven women who had contributed to the construction of the International Trade Building were invited to the ceremony as historical witnesses.

Liu Suifang who flew from her hometown in Hubei Province for the occasion, said she was happy to meet her old co-workers for the first time in 24 years.

Also on hand recalling past times were Qiao Shengli, then vice Party chief of Shekou Industrial Zone, and Liao Yongjian, the auctioneer of the land sales.

Shenzhen Party chief Liu Yupu showed his respect to the contributors in China’s reform and opening up.

The selection of the 10 events, which began on Nov. 27, was organized by State and provincial media branches in Shenzhen, Shenzhen Media Group and the Shenzhen Press Group. The final 10 events were selected by public voting, media assessment and recommendations, according to the organizers.

The organizers said they received 1.46 million votes from people in Guangdong and other provinces such as Liaoning, Sichuan, Henan and Tibet. In addition, Chinese people living in the United States, Canada and Australia also voted via e-mail, instant messaging and hotlines.

Shenzhen Party chief Liu Yupu showed his respect to the contributors in China’s reform and opening up.

The selection of the 10 events, which began Nov. 27, was organized by State and provincial media branches in Shenzhen, Shenzhen Media Group and the Shenzhen Press Group. The final 10 events were selected by public voting, media assessment and recommendations, according to the organizers.

The organizers said they received 1.46 million votes from people in Guangdong and other provinces such as Liaoning, Sichuan, Henan and Tibet. In addition, Chinese people living in the United States, Canada and Australia also voted via e-mails, instant messaging and hotlines.