On October 25, 2024, the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing is taking further steps to support the private sector by improving access to state research facilities and national projects. This initiative aims to boost economic growth and stabilize the job market, with NDRC Vice-Chairman Zheng Bei emphasizing the importance of supporting private firms that demonstrate strong innovation capabilities. The private sector is vital to China's economy, accounting for over 60% of the country's GDP and employing more than 80% of the urban workforce. However, private investment has seen a decline of 0.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2024, highlighting the challenges that remain. [e6f0e01c]
This announcement follows the introduction of a draft private-economy promotion law on October 14, 2024, which aims to bolster confidence in the private sector amid ongoing concerns about local government abuses and the treatment of private businesses. The draft law includes provisions for equal treatment of private and state-owned enterprises by banks and aims to protect private firms from harassment. Public comments on this draft law are being accepted until November 8, 2024, reflecting the government's attempt to engage with stakeholders in the private sector. [ed4f1974]
In a related development, on November 20, 2024, Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, advocated for market-oriented reforms in competitive sectors such as energy, railways, and telecommunications. He stressed the need for equal treatment across all enterprise ownership types and called for breaking down market access barriers to enhance private sector development. Han highlighted that private firms contribute over 50% of national tax revenue and 80% of urban jobs, underscoring their importance in the economy. His comments align with the resolutions from July's third plenum aimed at advancing Chinese-style modernization. [3a861fbd]
Despite these efforts, skepticism remains regarding the government's commitment to genuinely support private enterprises. Previous promises to bolster the private sector have faced doubts due to concerns about implementation and the overarching regulatory environment. Analysts warn that while the new law and initiatives may provide a framework for support, their effectiveness will ultimately depend on how they are enforced in practice. [af574d38]
The backdrop of these developments is the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, which serves as a reminder of the country's historical economic successes and the potential for future growth if the private sector is adequately supported. As the government navigates these economic challenges, the recent surge in the stock market following the NDRC's announcement indicates some investor optimism, although the sustainability of this recovery remains uncertain, especially with sluggish consumer spending and a struggling property sector. [1478e4ff]