Shenzhen, a city emerging as China's leading innovation hub, has made great efforts to enhance its business environment over recent years, in the interest of further stimulating the vigor and vitality of private businesses.
Dan Dan, secretary general of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standard Innovation Alliance, introduced major measures Shenzhen has taken in this endeavor.
"We have taken the lead in promoting reform of the business registration system, strengthening ongoing and ex post oversight, and deepening reform leading to separating out the business license from certificates required for starting up a business. The various reform measures we've adopted focus on lowering the threshold for market access and giving rise to fair, open and transparent market rules," she said.
Mindray is a Shenzhen-based company specializing in the manufacturing of high-end medical equipment and apparatus. Recently, it launched a type of AI handheld ultrasound equipment.
Now, Mindray has emerged as one of China's largest and a global leader in medical equipment manufacturing and solutions, thanks to the government's support.
"In particular, the government has made significant efforts to support the development of high technology, and to cultivate a favorable vibe for us high-tech enterprises in terms of funding, land use, policy making and environment," said Li Xiting, president of Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics.
Improving the business environment has been a key focus in post-Spring Festival official meetings across China. For example, authorities in China's financial hub of Shanghai has released "Version 8.0" of an action plan to improve the business environment, spelling out 58 measures to elevate the business environment to a new level.
Official data show that by the end of September 2024, the number of registered private companies nationwide had exceeded 55 million. And the private sector now accounts for over 70 percent of technological innovation.
The Private Enterprises Symposium was held on Monday in Beijing, bringing together representatives from some of the country's most eminent private companies. Addressing the symposium, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged efforts to promote healthy and high-quality development of the country's private sector.
Shenzhen strives to improve business environment for private enterprises development
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
