BEIJING - The People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China, on Tuesday praised the second book published by Zhu Rongji, China's former premier.

The book is of significance in shedding light on the process of China's reform and opening-up, as well as the country's economic and social development from 1991 to 2003, when Zhu served as vice-premier and then premier, the newspaper said in a lengthy article authored by Wei Min.

The book reflects Zhu's straight-taking and down-to-earth work style, the newspaper said.

The newspaper also paid tribute to Zhu's contribution in maintaining economic stability and ensuring China's fast economic growth during the 1991-2003 period.

It praised Zhu's role in China's access to the World Trade Organization, the battle against inflation, and the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis.

The four-volume book, "Record of Zhu Rongji's Talks," includes Zhu's speeches, articles, talks, letters, photos and written instructions from 1991 to 2003, the book's publisher the People's Press wrote in the book's preface.

The articles, many of which had never been made public, show the top decision-making process in crucial economic reforms, from housing to social welfare, and investment policies to financial markets.

Zhu, 83, is known for being upright, outspoken, and firm in the fight against corruption. Zhu is also noted for promoting bold economic reforms that pushed the country's transition to a market economy.

Zhu's first book, a compilation of transcripts from his press conferences, had immense success when it was published in 2009. Sales hit 700,000 copies in its first week of release, and the book was crowned "best book of the year" in various book billboards that year.