On January 14th, the Office of the Leading Group for Promoting the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises under the State Council issued a notice on "Several Measures to Assist Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to Stabilize Growth, Adjust Structure, and Strengthen Capacity" (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Enterprise Letter [2023] No. 4, hereinafter referred to as "Several Measures").

The "Several Measures" clearly defines the effective expansion of market demand. Support small and medium-sized enterprises in equipment upgrading and technological transformation, participate in the construction of national scientific and technological innovation projects, and undertake major national scientific and technological strategic tasks. The policy of gradually increasing the reserved share of government procurement projects for small and medium-sized enterprises to over 40% will continue until the end of 2023. We will implement policies and measures to promote consumption such as expanding the consumption of automobiles, green intelligent household appliances, and green building materials and new energy vehicles in the countryside. We will continue to carry out a series of activities for the "three products" (new products, famous products, and high-quality products) of consumer goods nationwide, hold the third China International Consumer Goods Expo, and carry out activities such as the international consumption season and consumption promotion month. Encourage large enterprises and platform institutions to publish procurement lists for small, medium, and micro enterprises, carry out cross-border matchmaking activities, and explore more markets and create more business opportunities for small, medium, and micro enterprises.

"Several Measures" require strengthening the protection of legitimate rights and interests. Strictly implement the "Regulations on Guaranteeing Payment by Small and Medium Enterprises", implement the information disclosure system for overdue payments by government agencies, public institutions, and large enterprises to small, medium, and micro enterprises, strengthen supervision, and strengthen complaint handling. We will carry out in-depth rectification of illegal charges involving enterprises, establish a coordinated governance and joint disciplinary mechanism, and resolutely investigate and punish arbitrary charges, fines, and apportionments.