Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's decision in 1978 to reintegrate China into the global community marked a turning point not only for China but also for the world economy. His reform and opening-up policy laid the foundation for China's remarkable economic transformation over the past four decades.

In 1978, China ranked 10th in the world by the size of its economy and 32nd in export volume. At that time, it contributed only 1.8 percent of global economic growth. Today, China is the world's second-largest economy and one of the biggest contributors to global growth.

Among the many success stories of China's opening-up policy, Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) stands out as one of the most prominent examples. Established in 1994, SIP was the first government-to-government cooperation project between China and Singapore and has since become a symbol of international collaboration and economic modernization.

Three decades ago, the area consisted mainly of low-lying paddy fields on the outskirts of Suzhou in eastern China's Jiangsu Province. Today, it has been transformed into a thriving hub of innovation, advanced technology, and entrepreneurship. Chinese authorities now present SIP as one of the finest achievements of the country's reform and opening-up strategy.

Covering an administrative area of 278 square kilometers, SIP is home to 1.19 million people, including more than 807,800 permanent residents. Officials described the park to a group of Asian journalists visiting in early July as an important window into China's reform and opening-up policy and a successful model of international cooperation.

SIP is also China's first comprehensive experimental zone for open innovation. Since its establishment, the park has consistently implemented the country's reform and opening-up policies while drawing on successful experiences from Singapore and other advanced economies.

Officials said SIP has adopted a series of development strategies that promote industrial innovation, economic globalization, and urban modernization. These efforts have produced remarkable achievements in both economic and social development, including the establishment of a management system and operational mechanism that align with international standards.

To support the project's long-term development, the Chinese and Singaporean governments established the Joint Steering Council, creating a pioneering model for mutually beneficial international economic cooperation.

The transformation began in the spring of 1994, when the two governments launched SIP with the goal of building a world-class industrial zone. Over the past 30 years, the park has centered its development strategy on openness, innovation, and high-quality growth.

According to the State Council Information Office of China, SIP's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 400.2 billion yuan (approximately US$55.68 billion) in 2024, accounting for nearly one-sixth of Suzhou's total GDP.

Today, the park is home to more than 10,000 technology companies, over 3,000 national high-tech enterprises, and more than 4,600 small and medium-sized technology firms, making it one of China's leading innovation ecosystems.

Global companies continue to expand their presence in the park. In 2024, Roche Diagnostics Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. signed an agreement with the SIP Administrative Committee to invest 3 billion yuan (about US$420 million) to expand its existing facilities. The investment represents the Swiss healthcare company's largest single investment in China to date.

SIP is also accelerating its transition toward carbon neutrality. In 2024, the park intensified efforts to promote green development and support businesses in reducing carbon emissions, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

From a landscape once dominated by rice fields to one of China's most advanced industrial and innovation centers, Suzhou Industrial Park stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of China's reform and opening-up policy. As the park enters its fourth decade, it continues to serve as a model of international cooperation, technological innovation, and sustainable economic development, according to officials.