On November 1, the city of Dongguan held a 2024 Private Entrepreneurs Day celebration called "Light of Dongguan: Moving Forward", which was organized by the Dongguan Municipal Government and the Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. The event featured a series of engaging activities, including the Dongguan Business School Forum, a government-enterprise discussion, and an evening networking gala for private entrepreneurs.

Dongguan, renowned as a stronghold for private enterprises, boasts over 1.7 million private businesses, accounting for approximately 10% of the total in  Guangdong Province and ranking first among cities in the province. The private sector contributes more than 60% of Dongguan's GDP, over 70% of its tax revenue, and 80% of its innovative achievements and employment. It also constitutes over 90% of the city's total import and export volume, serving as a "ballast stone" for Dongguan's stable growth and risk resilience.

To pay tribute to private entrepreneurs, Dongguan designated November 1 as Private Entrepreneurs Day, a celebration now in its second year. This initiative aims to bolster confidence and strength among entrepreneurs, empowering them to face market challenges with greater resolve and promoting entrepreneurial spirit for healthy business development and the continued growth of the private sector.

The day began with the Dongguan Business School Forum at the Musi Group, featuring a keynote speech by Wang Zhigang, a renowned strategic consulting expert and founder of Zhigang Think Tank. His presentation, titled "A Better Tomorrow: The Past, Present, and Future of Dongguan's Private Economy," was met with enthusiasm, as he interacted with over 700 local entrepreneurs in attendance.

In the afternoon, a government-enterprise discussion focused on cultivating new productive forces to foster high-quality economic development in Dongguan. This session provided a platform for private entrepreneurs to voice their opinions and demands, reinforcing their confidence in future growth.

The evening networking gala at the Reception Hall marked the official launch of the "Dongguan Business Cloud Academy" learning platform. During the event, the 2024 lists of the Top 100 Private Enterprises and Top 100 Private Industrial Enterprises in Dongguan were unveiled, alongside recognition for outstanding private entrepreneurs and exceptional young entrepreneurs.

For the first time, this year's celebration featured a city-town linkage, with nearly 100 unique activities hosted across various districts and parks in Dongguan, enhancing community engagement and participation. As Dongguan continues to champion its entrepreneurs, the spirit of innovation and resilience remains a driving force in the city's dynamic economic landscape.

(cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday)