谷牧是我国改革开放事业的重要当事人之一。1983年4月,谷牧视察了广东3个经济特区后,去看望叶剑英元帅。叶剑英说:“谷牧你懂经济,搞特区我放心。小平说改革开放是摸着石头过河。你就是侦察兵,要杀出一条血路。计划经济搞不通,也许你搞特区能给中国找到出路。” Gu Mu is one of the important parties in the cause of China's reform and opening up. In April 1983, after visiting three special economic zones in Guangdong, Gu Mu visited Marshal Ye Jianying. Ye Jianying said: “Gu Mu, you know the economy, I am comfortable with the SAR. Xiaoping said that reform and opening up is feeling the stones across the river. You are a scout, to blaze a trail of blood. Planned economy can not get through, maybe you can make SAR to China to find Way out. ”