Beijing: Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, one of the country’s foremost economic reformers who spearheaded sweeping changes to the state-owned enterprises and helped secure China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation, died Wednesday.
He was 98. Zhu died of illness, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
He served as China’s premier from 1998 to 2003 and was remembered for his tough campaign against corruption, efforts to shake up the centrally planned economy and sweeping reforms of the state-owned enterprise (SOE) sector.
Zhu also played a key role in securing China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001, a landmark step that accelerated the country’s integration into the global economy.
He had served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, the top decision-making body of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).
Zhu also played a major role in improving India-China relations.
He made a landmark visit to India in 2002, the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years, seeking to expand greater economic cooperation and mutual trust.