China is set to expand policy support for its service sector as part of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), underscoring the sector's pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth.

A symposium with private enterprises was held by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Tuesday to solicit input on accelerating the development of the service industry during the drafting of the new plan.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the NDRC, emphasized that the service sector is a key pillar of China's national economy and a crucial indicator of the country's overall development level. He noted that enhancing the quality and capacity of the service industry will be essential to achieving China's long-term modernization goals.

Representatives from participating enterprises highlighted that China's service sector has witnessed rapid expansion in recent years, with the market continuing to grow and new business models and formats emerging across industries. These developments, they said, have opened up vast opportunities for high-quality growth.

Looking ahead, business leaders expressed optimism about the sector's prospects, citing strong market demand and ongoing efforts to advance specialization and refinement in their respective fields. They voiced confidence in their ability to serve industrial production better and meet the evolving needs of Chinese consumers.

According to the NDRC, the government will continue to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing both the scale and quality of the service industry. Policy measures will focus on improving the business environment, fostering innovation, and building a more robust ecosystem for enterprises.

In addition, the NDRC plans to deepen the integration of modern services with advanced manufacturing and modern agriculture, promoting industrial upgrading while cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions. The overarching goal is to ensure that China's service industry develops in a more efficient, high-quality, and sustainable manner.

The commission also pledged to strengthen regular communication between the government and businesses, combining broad policy coordination with targeted problem-solving to address real challenges faced by enterprises. These efforts are expected to bolster the vitality of the private sector and support its high-quality, healthy development in the years to come.