China has announced a broad set of policies to support its technology sector, aiming to stimulate demand and create a more flexible fundraising environment. Key measures include reforming the ChiNext stock market by broadening listing standards to be more inclusive for innovative companies. Authorities will also extend reforms from the Star Market to ChiNext, such as a pre-IPO review mechanism for firms making technological breakthroughs.
The main topics covered are government support for the tech sector, stock market reforms (specifically on the ChiNext and Star Market boards), and policies aimed at stimulating investment and tolerating risk in technological innovation.
China pledges full support for tech sector with broad range of new policies
China’s top economic officials outline plans to support tech firms with stock market reforms and measures to stimulate demand
China has outlined a basket of measures to support its technology sector, from creating a more flexible and inclusive fundraising ecosystem to boosting demand for hi-tech products.
“Technological innovation requires high investment, long cycles, and carries significant risks,” said Wu Qing, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission.
“We hope all market participants will show greater understanding and tolerance, and work together to create an environment that encourages innovation, rewards success and tolerates failure.”
The plans – which Wu said had already been largely finalised – involve broadening listing standards on ChiNext to make them more inclusive, with the aim of supporting companies in emerging industries, firms with new business models and technologies, as well as innovative enterprises in consumption and modern service industries.
Authorities will also extend key reforms from the Star Market – another Nasdaq-style technology board – to ChiNext, including introducing a pre-initial public offering review mechanism for qualified innovative companies, particularly those making breakthroughs in core technologies, according to Wu.