ThePaper.cn:

We have observed that some private enterprises currently lack confidence and are pessimistic about their development prospects, resulting in a reluctance to invest and expand production, further affecting private investment and employment. What effective measures will be taken this year to boost the expectations and confidence of private enterprises?

Huang Shouhong:

The private sector is a crucial component of the Chinese economy and a key driver of modernization. The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have attached great importance to the development of private enterprises and the private economy. In recent years, General Secretary Xi Jinping has delivered a series of important speeches, and the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued documents last year to promote the development and growth of private enterprises. The government work report outlines the following measures in this regard:

First, it requires the implementation and refinement of various supportive policies. Over the years, numerous supportive policies have been introduced to promote the development of private enterprises. The overall implementation of these policies has been positive, but there are areas where full implementation has been lacking. It is imperative to continue refining and meticulously implementing these policies. Additionally, new measures addressing the concerns of enterprises should be introduced. For instance, regarding the issue of overdue payments frequently raised by private enterprises, the report calls for the improvement of the long-term mechanism to prevent and resolve overdue payments owed to private enterprises. Furthermore, to address the challenges of difficult and expensive financing faced by private enterprises, the report suggests increasing the proportion of loans to private enterprises and expanding the scale of bond financing, among other measures.

Second, it calls for efforts to optimize the business environment to address enterprises' concerns. The report highlights the importance of tackling the prominent issues faced by private enterprises concerning market access, access to factors of production, impartial law enforcement, and the protection of rights and interests. These issues are frequently reported by private enterprises. Additionally, measures will be taken to deepen the construction of a unified national market while ensuring a market order based on fair competition.

Third, it proposes support for the innovative development of the private economy. Since the beginning of reform and opening up, many private enterprises have made bold explorations and exhibited a keen entrepreneurial spirit, significantly contributing to economic growth, job creation, and the enhancement of people's livelihoods. This entrepreneurial spirit is a valuable asset. The report underscores the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting entrepreneurs to focus on innovative development and lead their companies to greater success. On the one hand, the government should cultivate a sound environment and provide platforms for private enterprises. On the other hand, private entrepreneurs should proactively pursue opportunities and overcome challenges. Reflecting on the past 40 years of reform and opening up, private enterprises have thrived despite various obstacles. While they currently face numerous difficulties and problems, it's helpful to consider the progress made compared to 40 years ago, 10 years ago, or even five years ago. Conditions for the development of private enterprises and various other factors have greatly improved. China's market mechanisms, legal environment and credit system have all seen significant enhancements. In the past, with the support of the Party and the government, private enterprises have continuously flourished. In today's landscape, by responding proactively to the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, private enterprises, which have achieved remarkable success in the past, are poised to achieve great new accomplishments in the future.

That's all from me for this question. Thank you.