Entrepreneurs In China Get Much-Needed Seat at the Table

The soundness of an economy depends on the strength of innovation， which in turn relies on whether the entrepreneurs can rise to their full potential.

Top party and government authorities recently issued a document titled “A Guideline About Nurturing a Healthy Environment for the Growth of Entrepreneurs， Promoting Entrepreneurship and Letting Entrepreneurs Play a Bigger Role.” The document has drawn wide attention in business circles： It was the first time central authorities have affirmed the status of entrepreneurs and the value of entrepreneurship. The guideline has been a soothing pill for businesspeople.

Entrepreneurs are the pillars of economic activities. The core of entrepreneurship lies in the businesspersons capability to push forward economic progress through “creative destruction，” a term coined by Austrian-born economist Joseph Schumpeter （1883-1950）.

Chinas economy has witnessed decades of rapid growth since its reform and opening-up in the late 1970s， during which entrepreneurs had an important role. But recently， there has been some finger-pointing at entrepreneurs， with some casting doubts about the entrepreneurs market transactions and investment activities.

It is true that some businesspeople have to pay the price if their transactions are against the rules. But if what are actually only a few irregularities lead to excessive doubts about regular business activities， and government policies are not in place to clear any confusion， the confidence of entrepreneurs as a group may be undermined.

Businesspeople are an extremely sensitive group. Even subtle changes in their expectations may be amplified in their economic activities. That will affect employment， tax revenue and social stability. The guideline came out in time to clear the shadow hanging over entrepreneurs heads. It made clear that authorities will seek to create a transparent and just environment ruled by law.

The guideline is a fresh start in protecting entrepreneurs rights with its emphasis on the establishment of institutional systems.

For instance， it said entrepreneurs property rights， rights and interests in innovation， and the right to autonomy in business operations should be protected by law.

It also said the authorities should explore a new system to compensate enterprises that suffer losses because of changes in government policy.

The guideline stated that a standard procedure should be established that requires the government to consult entrepreneurs in terms of key economic decisions.

If these measures can be carried out， the foundation of a prosperous and peaceful society will be consolidated.

The Chinese government has been working hard to protect peoples property rights and expand market access in recent years. But in some areas， private businesses still face “glass doors，” which indicates that some of the promised benefits are still not accessible.

As the market applauds the latest guideline to protect entrepreneurs rights， it is also hoped that authorities can issue facilitating policy documents to establish detailed rules and systems as promised.endprint