China's 2019 government work report included measures aimed at supporting growth in China's private sector. Members of China's top political advisory body, the CPPCC, expanded on those policies for the media. CGTN's Uche Okoronkwo was there.

China's private sector is a critical part of its economy. It accounts for about 50 percent of the nation's tax revenue and 60 percent of its GDP. But, in the last few years a credit crunch, a property downturn and trade friction with the US have dealt a blow to their bottom lines. In the manufacturing sector, profits shrunk between 8 percent and 14 percent last year.

UCHE OKORONKWO BEIJING "It is evident that the government's focus this year is on lightening the burden on private sector business. The strategy will be to reduce taxes and social contributions, especially for the manufacturing sector and small and medium enterprises. The NPC says it will also ensure more access to affordable financing through reforms in monetary and credit policy. And most importantly for foreign investors, it will be relaxing controls on market access and bringing down transaction costs."

As generous as this seems, will it be enough to revive capital spending and investment among private sector firms?

ZHOU HONGYI CPPCC MEMBER "Businesses cannot just rely on tax cuts. They should focus on innovation, and exploring the market."

The government did get a nod from the private sector on its plans to promote high-quality innovation and business startups by improving collaboration between enterprises, academia and research institutions.

ZHOU QUNFEI CPPCC MEMBER "Governments can also build a platform for businesses and research institutions such as universities to share technology, so that businesses can have access to the latest technologies."

As China's private firms look to the government to improve the environment at home, African nations are looking more and more to China's private sector to play a greater role in their economies. Already, Chinese private investment in Africa stands at over 60 billion US dollars.

NAN CUNHUI MEMBER OF CPPCC STANDING COMMITTEE "I hope African governments can improve the business environment by lowering trade barriers, and offering preferential tax policies. I also hope African governments can ensure the continuity of policies toward foreign investment."

It may be an uphill battle for China's private businesses this year, and some seem worried. But analysts say that policy-driven credit support may be the answer to a full recovery. UO, CGTN, BJ, China.