Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, Yan Qi, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political and Consultative Conference and chairperson of Chongqing Taoranju Group,  has been busy planning enterprise transformation and deep integration in industrial recovery and poverty alleviation.

Yan Qi has been busy planning for enterprise transformation and deep integration in industrial recovery and poverty alleviation. (iChongqing file photo)

The catering industry took a beating from the pandemic. Yan endeavored to save her enterprise by offering such new services as meal kits and semi-finished product delivery, and takeaway food and promised that she would not lay off employees. Meanwhile, the entrepreneur voiced for the industry.

"It's good to know that policies were released across the country to support enterprises in realizing healthy and stable development and fighting against the pandemic," said Yan.

2021 marks the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Yan realized that private companies could play a significant role in rural vitalization.

"Implementation of the rural vitalization strategy needs joint efforts from all sectors of society,” said Yan. “Private companies are no exception.” Yan frankly stated that there are some obstacles to involving private companies in action according to relevant investigations. For example, there are no supportive policies and a lack of talent.

"Companies are required to provide training courses to foster skilled workers in developing industries. However, most people, who capture skills after training, will leave the company without hesitation," said Yan.

Thus, Yan suggested that relevant departments should perfect system design, especially issuing policies and measures to encourage private companies to join in rural vitalization.

Meanwhile, private companies should be incentivized to offer skill training in rural areas and offset the disabled and layoff rate's employment rate by recruiting rural people. Those with a specific number of rural employees can enjoy slashed social insurance contributions and a refund of their unemployment insurance premiums in time.