China Daily:

The Central Economic Work Conference proposed implementing structural tax reduction and fee reduction policies. The SAMR recently announced the results and data of the previous stage of work related to enterprise fees. What arrangements and work plans does the administration have for managing arbitrary charges on enterprises in the future?

Ren Duanping:

Thank you for your question. The SAMR has steadfastly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, launching special rectification initiatives to combat unjustified charges levied on businesses for five consecutive years. Through regulatory law enforcement aimed at eliminating unjustified fees and rectifying disorder, a total of 320,000 charging units have been inspected, and over 18 billion yuan has been refunded to enterprises. Recently, in line with the Central Economic Work Conference's decisions and arrangements to implement structural tax and fee reduction policies and support scientific and technological innovation and the development of the manufacturing industry, the administration has conducted targeted surveys into some scientific and technological innovation and manufacturing enterprises. This effort comprehensively addresses the problems businesses face with enterprise-related charges, improving the relevance and effectiveness of managing enterprise-related fees.

During the surveys, enterprises reported noticeable improvements in the business environment after years of continuous rectification, and the collection of unjustifiable fees has been effectively curbed. However, scientific and technological innovation and manufacturing enterprises still have expectations for fee reduction and burden alleviation. For instance, these enterprises want to reduce the costs associated with protecting new inventions and technologies, hoping for a smoother commercialization of technological achievements with lower costs. Manufacturing enterprises are more focused on the progress of new projects and the renovation of equipment, seeking faster approval, lower financing costs, and more transparent charges for intermediary services. Additionally, enterprises have various demands regarding fair competition, electricity and energy consumption, transportation and logistics, industry associations, and other aspects.

Focusing on the sci-tech innovation and real concerns of manufacturing enterprises, we have carefully reviewed the relevant situation and will adopt targeted measures to respond to the needs of enterprises, and take practical steps to advance sci-tech innovation, boost the confidence of manufacturing enterprises, ensure their stable expectations and promote their growth. Next, the SAMR will prioritize work in the following three aspects:

First, we will carry out a special safeguarding campaign through market regulation. Giving priority to regulating charges on enterprises, we will step up our efforts to regulate charges on sci-tech innovation and manufacturing enterprises and strictly investigate and prosecute illegitimate charges on enterprises, to safeguard the healthy development of sci-tech innovation and the manufacturing industry, maintain a sound business environment and competition order, and ensure stable and smooth industrial and supply chains.

Second, we will improve services for sci-tech innovation and manufacturing enterprises. In response to the concerns of enterprises learned during inspections and surveys, we will enhance cooperation with the relevant authorities, develop positive interactions between oversight and law enforcement and policy formulation, promote the optimization of structural fee reduction policies, and strengthen coordination among departments, to form a synergy for governance.

Third, we will release guidelines on regulations for charges on enterprises. At present, the public is solicited on its opinions on rules for handling illegal charges on businesses, and we will release the rules in due course after making revisions and improvements based on the opinions of all parties. We will also accelerate the introduction of guidelines of compliance for charges on enterprises by industry associations and chambers of commerce in accordance with procedures. The SAMR will improve the quality and efficiency of institutional supply, and consolidate the results of regulating charges on enterprises. Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Last question, please.