China will further improve supportive policies to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tide over difficulties, says a circular released by the General Office of the State Council.

SMEs are the main force behind national economic and social development, but they face many challenges.

The document noted that the SMEs were facing rising corporate costs and operational difficulties due to higher raw material prices, high logistics costs, sporadic resurgences of COVID-19 and power cuts in some areas, among other factors.

“Manufacturing SMEs will be permitted to defer certain tax payments for fourth quarter, while small and micro enterprises severely impacted by the pandemic, floods and raw material price hikes will receive more lending support,’’ it said.

The document also stressed the importance of helping SMEs to ease pressure from rising production costs, secure power supply, support small firms in stabilising and expanding employment and boost market demand.

“All departments and local authorities shall take on further responsibilities, make bold changes and innovations, help SMEs cope with difficulties, and ensure that all policies and measures are well implemented,” it said.

(Xinhua/NAN)