Deng Xiaoping was the leader of the economic reform movement in 1978 . Reforms opened country up economically to the outside world . `` We must adhere to the correct direction of reform and opening up so as to build a system that is full of vigor , highly efficient , more open and has a favorable environment for scientific development , '' he said . In 30 years China has had an average annual growth rate of 4 percent . China is now the world 's fourth - largest economy .
Deng Xiaoping was the leader of the economic reform movement in 1978 . Reforms opened country up economically to the outside world . In 30 years China has had an average annual growth rate of 4 percent . China is now the world 's fourth - largest economy .