CMG Voice of China：

We have noticed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important pillar for the resilience of China's economic development and are related to the overall economic and social development framework. What work has been done to optimize services for enterprises? What are the next specific measures?

Tao Qing:

Thank you for your questions. The high-quality development of SMEs is inseparable from high-quality and efficient services. In 2023, the MIIT insisted on paying equal attention to management and services, as well as assistance and development, and strived to improve the service system. In November, the MIIT issued the Guiding Opinions on Improving the Public Service System for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises to further promote the incremental expansion, quality, and efficiency of public services for SMEs. We organized and carried out theme activities such as "Together Benefiting Enterprises," and "SMEs Service Month." Throughout the year, service agencies served a total of 12.47 million SMEs.

First, we served the innovative development of enterprises. We organized more than 3,000 "National Tours of Digital Empowerment, Scientific and Technological Achievements Intellectualization, and Quality Standards Brand Assignment to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" activities, served more than 1.4 million enterprises, and promoted the transformation of technological achievements worth 29.06 billion yuan. The first solicitation and selection activity of "Famous Teachers and Excellent Courses" was launched to provide policies, technology, and management to SMEs.

Second, we served enterprises to expand their markets. We organized more than 700 integration activities titled "100 events and 10,000 enterprises" for small, medium, and large enterprises, reaching 12,000 intended deals. We cooperated with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council to carry out a common chain action for the integration and development of the industrial chain of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The work of "releasing lists" by large enterprises for SMEs to select and undertake key projects has been carried out. In total, 409 technological innovation needs have been released, and more than 1,200 SMEs have jointly undertaken and tackled key problems, actively promoting the integration of innovative SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products into the industrial chain and supply chain of SOEs.

Third, we served corporate financing promotion. The MIIT organized and carried out the "one chain, one policy, and one batch" financing promotion activities for SMEs, cooperated with the National Financial Regulatory Administration to carry out the "Helping Thousands of Enterprises to Improve Confidence and Services" activity, and cooperated with the China Securities Regulatory Commission to promote the construction of 17 regional equity market boards, serving innovative enterprises that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. The China SME Development Fund has established a total of 36 sub-funds. Innovative SMEs using special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products which were listed in 2023 account for 70% of newly listed A-share enterprises, becoming the main force among these listings.

Fourth, we served enterprises' external exchanges. The 18th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair and the APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Conference and Fair were held, with more than 3,700 exhibitors attending and the intended deals exceeding 16 billion yuan. More than 100 cross-border exchange activities were held around the world, with over 10,000 SMEs from home and abroad participating.

Overall, the economic performance of SMEs picked up and improved in 2023. The value of industrial SMEs above designated size increased by 4.7% year on year, and the electricity consumption of small and micro-enterprises increased by 4.5% year on year. At the same time, we have also seen that due to the complicated and challenging external environment, some companies do face many problems, such as insufficient orders and high costs.

Tao Qing:

Going forward, the MIIT will work with various departments and localities in accordance with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to create a good environment, further increase support, continue to improve the public service system for SMEs, and promote the high-quality development of SMEs.

First, we need to establish and strengthen public service agencies for SMEs. We will improve the service quality and efficiency of public service agencies at the provincial level and above, expand the coverage of city and county-level public service systems, extend the range of services, and improve service convenience.

Second, we need to accelerate the construction of "one network" services for SMEs across the country to provide enterprises with "one-stop" services. The China Small and Medium Enterprises Service Network was launched for trial operation on Jan. 1 this year. Everyone is welcome to provide their valuable feedback. We will continue to expand service functions and make our services broader, stronger, and more meticulous.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Thank you to all the speakers and friends from the media. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Guo Yiming, Wang Qian, Liu Sitong, Wang Yanfang, Wang Ziteng, Zhang Rui, Qin Qi, Yuan Fang, Ma Yujia, Huang Shan, Xiang Bin, Wang Wei, Yan Bin, Li Huiru, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.