Beijing, August 20, 2024, The Europe Today: An executive meeting of the State Council, chaired by Premier Li Qiang on Monday, reviewed and approved a series of significant documents aimed at supporting the high-quality development of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advancing China’s nuclear power capabilities.
During the meeting, four documents were approved, including the 2024 edition of special administrative measures—commonly known as the “negative list”—for foreign investment access. This updated negative list represents a further relaxation of restrictions on foreign investment, particularly by removing all entry barriers in the manufacturing sector. Additionally, the list aims to accelerate the opening up of sectors such as telecommunications, education, and healthcare services.
Another key document approved was a set of guidelines focused on promoting the high-quality development of services trade through enhanced openness. The meeting emphasized the importance of accelerating services trade as a critical component in expanding high-level opening up and cultivating new drivers for foreign trade. The guidelines call for innovative development in key areas of services trade and the integration of services and goods trade, with a particular focus on fostering international growth in professional services such as finance, consultation, design, and certification.
In addition to these measures, the meeting discussed policy initiatives designed to bolster the development of SMEs that specialize in sophisticated and innovative technologies. The policies are intended to strengthen coordination across various sectors, including taxation, finance, science and technology, industry, and human resources, to enhance the competitiveness of these enterprises. The meeting stressed the need for these SMEs to become smarter, more digitalized, and environmentally friendly.
The meeting also approved five nuclear power projects, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding the nation’s nuclear energy capabilities. Safety, as always, remains a top priority. The meeting highlighted the critical importance of strengthening safety regulations to ensure the utmost safety in nuclear power development, promoting the long-term healthy growth of the industry.
These measures reflect the Chinese government’s continued efforts to promote high-quality economic development through innovation, international openness, and enhanced safety standards in key industries.
