What’s new: China’s State Council has launched a platform to ask private enterprises to share the difficulties they face when operating their businesses, as part of broader efforts to bolster corporate confidence and revive the private sector.
The online platform launched on Friday by the country’s cabinet is seeking feedback on 10 areas, most of which are related to unfounded obstruction, excessive administrative procedures or unfair practices imposed on private enterprises by local authorities and departments.
The General Office of the State Council said in a notice that it will compile the received feedback and suggestions before urging relevant local authorities and departments to resolve them.
Private sector companies or businesspeople can share their thoughts by scanning a QR code using the ubiquitous WeChat or Alipay apps on their phones, according to the notice.
The background: China has been ramping up measures to prop up private businesses, regarded as key to boosting the economic recovery that has been losing momentum over the past few months.
The Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council issued a joint statement on July 19 that pledged to make the private economy “bigger, better and stronger” by creating a first-class, market-oriented business environment and cultivating a “close and clean” relationship between businesses and the government.
The vow came after a lower-than-expected GDP growth in the second quarter and record-high youth unemployment. Private businesses typically absorb a large portion of the young workforce.
Contact reporter Kelsey Cheng (kelseycheng@caixin.com)
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