A commendation conference for China's private sector was held in Beijing on Jan 6. Gao Yunlong, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), attended the conference and delivered a speech.

Gao highlighted that the private sector has forged ahead with determination and achieved vigorous development. Its role in boosting economic growth, developing new quality productive forces, and safeguarding and improving people's livelihoods has become increasingly prominent, making significant contributions to China's high-quality development, he added.

Gao emphasized that private enterprises and entrepreneurs should prioritize employment and expand the supply of high-quality jobs through industrial upgrading, while paying close attention to the employment of key groups, and establishing harmonious labor relations.

Federations of industry and commerce at all levels should maintain close cooperation with human resources and social security authorities and trade unions, Gao said, adding that they should enhance the publicity and effective implementation of policies for supporting enterprises and alleviating their difficulties, and provide services for enterprises in stabilizing and expanding jobs and cultivating talents, so as to jointly promote high-quality and full employment.

Wang Xiaoping, minister of human resources and social security, and Xu Liuping, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, attended the conference and delivered speeches. Wang Hongyan, vice-chairwoman of ACFIC, presided over the conference and announced the commendation decision. In accordance with the decision, 100 private enterprises, 32 enterprise-based trade unions, 32 private entrepreneurs, and 32 enterprise employees were commended.