Published on : 21/08/2024

On August 21, 1986, Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平) visited the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) and inscribed the words, "Development Zones are of Great Promise" (開發區大有希望).

The TEDA, approved for construction by the State Council on December 6, 1984, is one of the first 14 national-level development zones. It is located on a salt-alkali wasteland with an output value of only 3 million CNY.

Deng Xiaoping commented that the Development Area, with its vast wasteland, possesses a significant advantage and great potential.

He said, "We should be bold and develop quickly" and "We must continue to open up to the outside world. If we don't, we will not survive. There is no question of pulling back."

Deng emphasised that his consistent standpoint was "let some people and regions get prosperous first." Some areas developing faster can drive the majority of the areas, and it is a speedy path to achieve common prosperity.