China's new premier promises stronger support for private sector

Li Qiang also addresses concerns following spate of regulatory crackdowns in 2022

- Aw Cheng Wei

BEIJING New Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged on Monday to provide private companies in the world's second-largest economy with a better business environment, while urging the government to form closer ties with entrepreneurs.

"We will make further efforts to support private entrepreneurs to grow and thrive," he said on the closing day of China's annual parliamentary meetings, in his first remarks to the media.

The government should take the lead in "promoting a culture of respect for pioneers and entrepreneurs", he added, encouraging officials to "make friends with entrepreneurs and build a clean and cordial relationship with them".

For their part, entrepreneurs should move forward with "spirit, strength and confidence", Mr Li said, recalling how in the 1980s and 1990s, entrepreneurs in the provinces of Zhejiang, where he grew up, and its neighbouring Jiangsu showed a "strong pioneering spirit to reach their goals".

"They were willing to explore all paths, go through all troubles, try all means and endure all hardships.

Although the conditions, environment and the models of entrepreneurship are vastly different today, this spirit of clearing obstacles and blazing new trails will always be needed," he added.