Supportive policies propel business vitality

BEIJING — China's business sector has demonstrated renewed vitality and momentum since the start of the year, driven by a series of strengthened government policies designed to foster a more supportive environment.

In the first quarter, the number of newly registered private and foreign-funded enterprises went up 7.1 percent and 4.3 percent year-on-year, respectively. Private investment, which has declined over the past year, rebounded with a 0.4 percent increase. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Index rose to 89.5, the highest level since 2020.

Liu Min, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission, said a raft of policy measures spanning finance, investment, trade, talent and innovation have been introduced at both central and local levels to cultivate a business environment that supports and energizes the private economy.