Beijing Youth Daily:

Regarding private enterprises, as was just mentioned in the overall situation overview, the pivotal role of private enterprises has strengthened, and their proportion in foreign trade has also increased. Could you please provide specific details on the positive changes in the import and export activities of private enterprises last year? Additionally, what has customs done to support the development of private enterprises? Thank you.

Wang Lingjun:

Thank you for your questions. Last year, the overall development of the private economy showed a stable and positive trend. In the field of foreign trade, private enterprises demonstrated remarkable performance in four aspects.

First, private enterprises have been China's largest foreign trade entities for five consecutive years. In 2023, imports and exports of private enterprises accounted for 53.5% of the country's total foreign trade value, contributing 3.2 percentage points to China's foreign trade growth. The number of private enterprises accounted for 86.2% of the total, hitting another record high. Their status as entities for stabilizing foreign trade has been further consolidated. 

Second, private enterprises have contributed 66.4% of domestic-owned brand product exports. Private enterprises have continuously promoted brand building, achieving tangible results in brand creation, brand management, and brand benefits to improve the popularity and reputation of the "Made in China" brand.

Third, private enterprises have contributed 68.1% of China's imports and exports of consumer products. The overall technological strength of private enterprises has continued to improve, and their share of high-tech consumer product exports has continued to grow year by year. They have played a leading role in imports of meat, edible aquatic products, vegetables, and fruits, and their role in serving people's livelihoods has become increasingly prominent. 

Fourth, private enterprises' imports and exports to economies involved in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 9.2%, and imports and exports to traditional markets, such as the EU and the United States, increased by 2.3% and 2%, respectively. While continuing to explore emerging markets, private companies have remained resilient to traditional markets. 

Next, the GACC will attentively implement policies and measures of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council aimed at promoting the growth of the private sector and work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector as well as encourage, support, and guide development of the non-public sector. Focusing on market access, access to factors of production, fair law enforcement, and protection of rights and interests, we will pay visits to enterprises to enact policies , hear opinions, and solve problems to provide a good environment for private business, further stimulate their vitality, and strengthen the resilience of the private sector. Thank you.