In 2004, China will vigorously promote the development of the non-public sector of the economy and actively guide it, said Premier Wen Jiabao in a government work report delivered at the opening of the Second Session of the Tenth National People's Congress Friday.

Governments at all levels must promptly eliminate or revise regulations and policies that restrict the development of this sector and implement measures that relax market access, the premier said.

The government will conduct further studies and formulate specific methods to encourage non-public enterprises to participate in the reorganization of state-owned enterprises and expand into infrastructure development, public utilities and other industries and domains.

Wen said that the government will take measures to ensure that non-public enterprises receive the same treatment as other enterprises in investment, financing, taxation, land use and foreign trade. He pledged to protect their legitimate rights and interests and improve government service to and oversight over them, so as to support and encourage qualified non-public enterprises in their efforts to grow stronger and larger.

(China Daily March 5, 2004)