China's Emerging Private Enterprises : Prospects for the New Century

This report aims to take stock of the domestic private sector in China which has emerged over the past twenty years. It is based on surveys and interviews carried out in four locations in China where private sector development is relatively advanced. These studies were supplemented by discussions with entrepreneurs, industry associations, and government officials. The report focuses on three main themes: the structure of private enterprises, the enabling environment for their development and, access to financing. For each of these areas, the report presents an analysis of constraints on private sector development and outlines an agenda for addressing these constraints. The report recommends that, in order to encourage continuing private sector growth, the government should create a level playing field for all enterprises by intervening less and focusing on improved commercial legislation and more open markets. Financial institutions must develop to serve the private sector, and private enterprises need to mature and improve their corporate governance, in order to derive the most benefit from improvements in the business environment.