China will make further efforts for private entrepreneurs to grow and thrive, and the country's private enterprises will enjoy a better environment and broader development space, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said at a press conference following the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress on Monday.

Li said that China will continue to foster a market-oriented, law-based market environment in keeping with international standards, treat companies of all types of ownerships as equals, protect the property rights of enterprises as well as rights and interests of entrepreneurs in accordance with the law.

Noting that the country has a supersized market with huge demand and a lot of new untapped sectors, Li said that all these promise great opportunities for private entrepreneurs.

The country will also create a level playing field for all kinds of market entities and will make further efforts for entrepreneurs to grow and thrive, he added.

Li noted that some inappropriate discussions and rumors about private entrepreneurs last year have discouraged them to some extent, but China's policies on the private sector have always been consistent.

China has been unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector of the economy, and at the same time unswervingly encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector of the economy, he said.

Such a policy is a long-term policy that hasn't changed in the past and will not change in the future, he emphasized.

According to Li, economic development follows certain economic laws and depends on conditions available, but it is even more important to bring about people's initiative.

Thus he called for more efforts from private entrepreneurs to carry forward their entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen confidence, as they start their new journey.

Li recalled when private entrepreneurs from Zhejiang, Jiangsu provinces and some other places started to develop private economy and township enterprises, they cultivated a strong pioneering spirit.

To reach their goals, they were willing to explore all paths, go through all troubles, try all means and endure all hardships, he said, adding that the pioneering spirit is always needed though conditions, environment are vastly different nowadays.

Li also emphasized that government officials at all levels must sincerely care for and support the development of private enterprises, make friends with them, build clean relations with them, and take the lead in promoting a culture of respect.