Negative list updated to further ease market access

China unveiled a new version of its negative list for market access on Thursday, further opening up sectors to private and foreign enterprises in a move that underscores the country's commitment to bolstering its vast domestic market amid external shocks, officials and experts said.

The updated list, which specifies industries and business activities that are either prohibited or require government approval, has reduced the number of items from 117 in the 2022 version to 106.

Outside the list, all types of businesses can enter the market on an equal and lawful basis across the country, said the National Development and Reform Commission. The list was jointly released by the NDRC, the Ministry of Commerce and the State Administration for Market Regulation.