Development index of China's SMEs slightly declines in September

China's SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) Development Index for September stood at 88.7, slightly down by 0.1 points from August, with the information transmission and software sector showing a significant rebound, the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (CASME) said on Thursday.

The sub-index for industrial, retail and wholesale, information transmission and software sectors all showed recovery in September, with information transmission and software sector registering the strongest growth of 0.3 points. Within all the eight sectors surveyed, these three sectors reported significant rises in their market demand index.

Despite fluctuations caused by market conditions and external factors, CASME noted that China's economy remains stable, with growth continuing. Still further implementation of supportive policies is needed to generate more opportunities and bolster SMEs' growth momentum and vitality.

CASME's survey also indicated a stabilization in the funding situation for SMEs in September. Major banks reported that by the end of the month, their inclusive loans to SMEs had increased by a total of 2.2 trillion yuan (about 310 billion U.S. dollars) compared with the start of the year.

The central government has introduced several financial policies this year to support SMEs. In late September, the National Financial Regulatory Administration expanded loan renewal options to cover all micro-enterprises. "The conditions for credit limits, interest rates, and loan processes are more flexible. This year, before our loan was due, we applied for renewal without repaying the principal, which eased our cash flow pressures," said Zhang Jinzhi, manager of Anhui Anfa Machinery Co., Ltd., a company which benefited from the new loan renewal policy. "SMEs with genuine funding needs can apply for loan renewals upon expiry. As long as they are operating normally, the loans can be approved. With complete documentation, funds can reach the company's account within five working days at the soonest," explained Su Youwei, manager of China Postal Savings Bank's Shucheng County branch, who handled the loan renewal of Zhang's company.

Development index of China's SMEs slightly declines in September

Civil society organization representatives from China and other countries held meetings on the sidelines of the 57th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council to exchange experiences on their role in promoting global human rights and sustainable development.

The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the UN Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland and China Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Network for International Exchanges jointly hosted the event entitled "NGOs: advancing the right to developement in an equitable and inclusive way" in Geneva.

Some attendees at the meeting said that the close cooperation between NGOs from China and Africa is indispensable for achieving sustainable development in Africa, and that Chinese NGOs, as important participants in global human rights governance, have made significant contributions to social progress and human rights development in China.

The Beijing Guangming Charity Foundation, a Chinese NGO, held a charity forum on autism on Tuesday at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, where Chinese and foreign participants exchanged ideas on raising global awareness of autism.

Attendees called on governments, social organizations, and research institutions to work together to raise awareness of autism and create a favorable international environment for autistic individuals based on the principles of mutual respect and equality and mutual benefit.

This forum also released the consensus and action blueprint for charitable philanthropy for autism.

Chinese, int'l social organizations exchange experiences on promoting global human rights