China’s Henan province – one of the country’s largest manufacturing hubs – has issued a plea for entrepreneurs to “dare to invest” in the region, as China’s leaders strive to shore up confidence in the country’s jittery private sector.
Senior officials in Henan, China’s most populous province and its sixth-largest regional economy, invited local business leaders for a Lunar New Year lunch on Sunday as part of a government charm offensive.
Wang Kai, governor of Henan province, urged the assembled entrepreneurs to “dare to venture, dare to invest” during the meal, and vowed that local officials would support the private sector by providing the “best services”, according to local media.
“We will continue to improve policies, protect your legitimate rights and interests, and listen to your needs to create a first-class business environment,” Wang said.
The weak private investment figures were a concern for China given the private sector accounts for half of the government’s tax income, 60 per cent of national economic output and 80 per cent of urban jobs.
