Number of private firms up more than fourfold in 10 years

The number of private business entities in China reached approximately 181 million as of the end of September, accounting for 96.37% of the country's total and marking a more than fourfold increase over the past decade. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said that China has about 55.54 million private companies and more than 125 million self-employed businesses. In China, many private business entities operate within the services sector, such as hospitality and catering, residential services and maintenance services, wholesale and retail, transport and warehousing. Wholesale and retail firms serve as a bridge connecting manufacturing and consumers, and thus the significant presence of private entities in this sector highlights the vitality of China's commodity market. Thanks to the country's policy support for new infrastructure, smart transport and logistics management, the logistics sector has also achieved notable development. China has actively promoted the private sector's development and continually strives to create a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment.

The Ministry of Justice and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in early October published a draft law on private sector promotion to solicit public opinion. The law was formulated in a bid to enhance the development environment for the private economy, ensure fair market competition for various types of economic entities, and support the sustainable growth of private businesses and entrepreneurs. The draft was open for public comment until November 8, the Global Times reports.