In 2023, Yichang introduced a municipal-level leadership-led plan under the leadership of 39 municipal-level leaders, targeting 195 potential market entities in a critical development phase for the cultivation of the enterprises of “Four Categories”, and 488 county-level leaders spearheaded the cultivation of 1,563 potential market entities.

　　To address challenges hindering the development of enterprises of small and medium sizes, Yichang launched an enterprise nurturing loan. As of early December last year, this initiative successfully addressed financing needs totaling 5.14 billion yuan for 85 enterprises led by municipal-level leaders. It also established a 1 billion yuan emergency loan and relief fund for small and micro enterprises and released 5.3 billion yuan to support private enterprises.

　　Data provided by Yichang Municipal Development and Reform Commission indicates that in 2023, Yichang saw a net increase of 1555 enterprises of “Four Categories”, representing an 86% year-on-year growth. The total number of the enterprises of “Four Categories” reached 6,867, ranking second in Hubei Province. Of the 195 enterprises nurtured by municipal-level leaders, 104 were successfully completed, exceeding the annual target by 133%. (Reporter/Chen Xi & Tan Qiangmin)