East China's Fujian province has underlined its steadfast support for the private sector as a pillar of high-quality growth, following a high-profile symposium held on Feb 24, the first working day of the Chinese New Year.

The gathering marks the sixth consecutive year that the economic powerhouse has dedicated its "first meeting of spring" to private entrepreneurs, highlighting a consistent policy priority.

The symposium provided a platform for face-to-face dialogue between provincial leadership and prominent private sector representatives. During the interactive session, entrepreneurs shared firsthand insights on industrial upgrading and innovation-led growth, offering suggestions to further energize the local economy.

According to data from local authorities, Fujian's GDP surpassed 6 trillion yuan ($877 billion) in 2025, with the private economy's added value growing 5.5 percent year-on-year, contributing 77.4 percent to the province's total economic growth.

Zhou Zuyi, secretary of the Communist Party of China Fujian Provincial Committee, hailed the private sector as the province's vitality and unique advantage. He pledged that the government would act as a "partner", "servant", and "guardian", fostering a pro-business environment to support their development during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.

On the same day, multiple provinces, including Anhui, Guangdong, Shandong, and Hubei, also convened their "first meetings", focusing on themes including scientific and technological innovation and the private economy to ensure a strong start for the 15th Five-Year Plan.