China’s private sector, long seen as a key driver of the nation’s economic dynamism, has received a fresh and highly publicized pledge of support from the country’s top leader. President Xi Jinping, in a speech delivered to entrepreneurs in February and released to the public on August 15, 2025, called for “no delay” in implementing policies that protect private businesses. The speech, published by Qiushi, the Communist Party’s theoretical journal, has quickly become a focal point in ongoing debates about China’s economic strategy and the global role of its private sector.
Xi’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for both China’s domestic economy and the broader international landscape. As highlighted by the Citi Institute’s Exec-X report, global trade, foreign direct investment, and supply chains are all undergoing significant shifts, with private sector investment and digital progress at the heart of these changes. Against this backdrop, Xi’s speech signals Beijing’s intent to reassure entrepreneurs and investors—both at home and abroad—that private enterprise remains a priority.
“The policies and measures to promote the development of the private economy must be implemented in a solid and thorough manner,” Xi declared, according to South China Morning Post. “Whatever the party Central Committee has decided must be resolutely carried out—without ambiguity, delay, or compromise.” The president’s words, delivered to an audience that included founders and CEOs from some of China’s most influential tech companies—among them Alibaba, Unitree Robotics, DeepSeek, and Huawei Technologies—were crafted to address mounting concerns within the business community.
Xi did not shy away from acknowledging the frustrations felt by many private business owners. “In recent years, governments at all levels have introduced various enterprise relief policies, yet many private businesses report limited tangible benefits,” he said. “To address this, we must first enhance policy precision—grounding measures in reality and ensuring that commitments translate into concrete, substantive assistance. Moreover, all eligible enterprises of the same category should receive equal treatment.”
This message of equal treatment and practical support is especially significant in light of persistent challenges faced by private firms, such as overdue payments and regulatory uncertainties. Xi’s explicit mention of these issues, and his directive that solutions should not be delayed, marks a notable shift from more general rhetoric to a focus on actionable outcomes. For many in the business world, this is a welcome change—though some remain skeptical about how quickly policy promises will translate into real-world improvements.
The timing of the speech’s release is no accident. As the Citi Institute’s Exec-X report points out, the global economic environment is in flux. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are shifting, supply chains are being reconfigured, and technological innovation is accelerating. The so-called “do-it-for-me economy”—where consumers and businesses increasingly expect seamless, tech-enabled solutions—is reshaping expectations across sectors. In this context, China’s ability to foster a vibrant, innovative private sector will be crucial not only for its own growth, but also for its influence on the world stage.
Xi’s speech also served as a response to both domestic and international critics who have questioned Beijing’s commitment to private enterprise. Over the past several years, private companies in China have navigated a complex landscape of regulatory crackdowns, shifting policy priorities, and economic headwinds. Some entrepreneurs have voiced concerns—sometimes quietly, sometimes more openly—that government support has been inconsistent or insufficient.
By addressing these concerns head-on, Xi sought to reassure the private sector that the government is listening. “The policies and measures to promote the development of the private economy must be implemented in a solid and thorough manner,” he reiterated. The emphasis on “no delay” and “no ambiguity” was not just rhetorical flourish; it was a direct call to action for officials at all levels of government.
According to South China Morning Post, Xi’s remarks were particularly pointed regarding the need for policy precision. He urged that measures should be “grounded in reality,” and that all eligible enterprises should receive “equal treatment.” This insistence on fairness and transparency is likely to resonate with business leaders who have sometimes felt sidelined by opaque or unevenly enforced regulations.
The presence of high-profile tech executives in the audience underscored the importance of the sector to China’s economic future. Companies like Alibaba and Huawei have become global players, but they have also faced their share of challenges, from international scrutiny to domestic regulatory hurdles. The inclusion of these leaders in the conversation suggests that Beijing recognizes the strategic value of its tech industry—and the need to keep its most innovative companies engaged and optimistic.
Meanwhile, the Citi Institute’s Exec-X report provides valuable context for understanding why these issues matter so much right now. The report details how global trade patterns are shifting, with new opportunities emerging for private funding and investment. It also highlights the growing importance of real-time information and digital solutions in everything from consumer behavior to corporate treasury management. In such an environment, the ability of private firms to adapt and thrive will be a key determinant of national and global economic success.
Xi’s speech, then, is more than just a statement of intent—it’s a strategic move aimed at positioning China as a leader in the next phase of global economic evolution. By pledging to address overdue payments, ensure equal treatment, and implement policies without delay, Xi is signaling that Beijing wants to create an environment where private enterprise can flourish.
Of course, the real test will be in the follow-through. As Xi himself acknowledged, previous rounds of relief policies have not always delivered the hoped-for results. Many business owners will be watching closely to see whether the latest promises are matched by concrete action—and whether the government’s support translates into improved conditions on the ground.
For global investors and policymakers, the message from Beijing is clear: China intends to remain open for business, and it is willing to make adjustments to ensure that private enterprise remains a core pillar of its economic strategy. In a rapidly changing world, where trade, technology, and investment patterns are all in flux, such commitments carry significant weight.
As the dust settles from Xi’s latest address, entrepreneurs, executives, and analysts alike will be parsing every word—and every subsequent policy move—for clues about the future direction of China’s private sector. For now, at least, the signal from the top is unmistakable: support for private business is not just a slogan, but a priority that demands urgent and decisive action.
