China's enterprise credit index stood at 160.68 points in December 2024, with the fourth-quarter average at 159.84 points, indicating a stable and upward trend in enterprise credit ratings, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said Friday.
The December index was slightly higher than the credit level of 160.00 points in November, with its sub-indicators for reliability, operation, and correlation remaining generally stable, while the sub-indicators for finance, compliance, and regulation increased month-on-month.
The fourth-quarter index also exceeded the indices of 159.00 points, 158.90 points, and 157.35 points recorded in the first three quarters, according to the SAMR.
In December last year, the top five provincial regions in the credit index ranking were Fujian, Jiangsu, Anhui, Beijing, and Zhejiang, with Fujian rising to first place for the first time, driven by a robust increase in new enterprises, enterprises newly removed from the list of abnormal operations, and heightened regulatory activity.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the top five provincial regions in the credit index ranking were Jiangsu, Beijing, Anhui, Fujian, and Shaanxi. Meanwhile, the indices of Tianjin and Jiangxi saw significant increases compared with the third quarter, according to the SAMR.
According to the market regulator, the credit index for each industry increased in December 2024 compared with the previous month, with the mining and manufacturing indices seeing the largest gains. Meanwhile, the manufacturing ranking continued its upward trend, rising to second place for the first time.
Based on quarterly performance, the top five industries were finance; electricity, heat, gas, and water production and supply; water conservancy, environment, and public facilities management; education; and construction. Among them, the finance industry index remained in first place, recording a larger increase than in the previous quarter, the market regulator reported.
Credit index of Chinese enterprises up in fourth quarter: market regulator
Credit index of Chinese enterprises up in fourth quarter: market regulator
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
