The Role of Private Business in Policy Process in Contemporary China: A Case Study of Market Procurement Trade Policy in Quanzhou, Fujian

Abstract

This study examines how private enterprises engage with local governments to contribute to the policy process in contemporary China. In democratic systems, private enterprises have long been accustomed to take part in political activities and contribute to policy debates. These processes have been extensively studied, and have contributed to a wide general literature on business participation in policymaking. The role of private business in policy process in China has also been studied, but most studies of its policy engagement have employed a government-centred perspective, focusing on how private business responds to government initiatives.

This study employs a business-centred perspective in examining the policy role of private business and the initiatives of business actors. It derives most of its insights from a case study of Quanzhou, a coastal city in Fujian Province, whose private sector is well-known for its large role in the local economy and its longstanding proactive participation in public affairs. The study tracks their role in the market procurement trade policy, which has seen increased government-business interactions and cooperation. Specifically, it traces the activities, approaches and considerations of private enterprises in policy engagement and identifies the characteristics of their participation. It further explains the activism of business policy engagement from three perspectives: the role of overseas Chinese businessmen and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan Province in the local business community, the effect of lively entrepreneurial spirits, and the receptivity of local governments. It also considers the challenges that arise during the engagement process, including differences of opinion between private entrepreneurs and government actors over various issues. The study concludes with recommendations for improving the quality of government-business interactions in China. 

Date of Award	25 Apr 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	City University of Hong Kong
Supervisor	Che Lan Linda LI (Supervisor) & Donghang He (External Supervisor)