Highlights: State Administration for Industry and Commerce briefs media

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China's State Administration for Industry and Commerce held a press conference in Beijing on Friday on deepening reform of the commercial system.

Minister Zhang Mao took questions from journalists.

Here are some highlights of the press conference.

CFP Photo

On achievements of reform:

In the past year, 15,000 new enterprises have been registered in China every day, said Zhang.

The number of enterprises per 1,000 people increased from 11 in 2013 to 19 in 2016 in China. In some Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai, the number has reached 40-50, matching the ratio in developed countries, according to the minister.

He cited government policies encouraging small businesses as being fundamental to this growth.

On future plans:

Zhang vowed to strengthen market supervision to make the environment for small businesses more orderly.

To help further ease enterprises entry into the market, China will expand the use of electronic registration and electronic business licenses, he said.

CFP Photo

On fake products:

Counterfeiters will be handed tougher punishements to deter the spread of fake and inferior goods, according to Zhang.

He said he agreed with earlier proposals from Alibaba founder Jack Ma to give counterfeiters the same harsh punishments that are given to drunk drivers. ‍

On trademark protection:

Zhang promised three measures to protect trademarks and intellectual property rights:

- promoting electronic application and registration;

- reducing the cost of registration;

- establishing a trademark registration center in Shanghai this year.

Zhang also called for Chinese companies to protect their intellectual property rights overseas. ‍

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