22 January 2016
China’s small businesses confident, innovative and tech savvy
New survey data released today by CPA Australia shows China’s small business sector is maintaining a positive
economic outlook, with a strong focus on innovation, e-commerce and social media – all key drivers of economic
growth.
The findings, from CPA Australia’s annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, follow extensive surveying of nearly
3,000 small business operators in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand
and China.
CPA Australia chief executive Alex Malley says the survey results show there is real strength in the small business
sector in China, with confidence higher than it was last year and appearing set to continue for some time.
“We surveyed small business operators in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing. The results show that
China’s small businesses have had a successful 12 months, with 77 per cent of respondents reporting that they
grew over this period,” Malley says.
“Looking to 2016, the results are even more positive, with 78 per cent of small businesses expecting to grow in the
year ahead.
“Confidence in China’s economy is also very high, with 71 per cent of respondents expecting the economy to grow
in 2016.
“This positive outlook is translating into jobs, with 43 per cent of China’s small business sector reporting that they
increased employee numbers in the past 12 months.
“China’s small businesses are the second most likely of the markets surveyed to innovate, with 32 per cent of
respondents definitely expecting to innovate through the introduction of a new product, service or process in the
next 12 months that is unique to China or the world. This result is well above the survey average of 22 per cent.
“Small businesses across China are also taking advantage of the large and growing online marketplace and with
their nearly universal uptake of social media, are well-placed to out-compete less nimble and tech savvy
competitors. ”
“The range of initiatives China’s government has implemented or is implementing to encourage growth and
innovation, such as the Belt and Road initiative, the promotion of mass entrepreneurship and innovation, and the
‘Made in China 2025’ plan should further inculcate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship amongst China’s
small businesses. Such a culture should help drive the next phase of China’s economic growth story.”
Key findings from the survey for China include:
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97 per cent of respondents use social media for business purposes, compared with the survey average of
81 per cent
36 per cent of respondents expect to grow their e-commerce presence to a large extent, compared with the
survey average of 32 per cent
90 per cent of respondents earned revenue from online sales, compared with the survey average of 69 per
cent
The CPA Australia Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey provides annual insights into the views of small businesses
across the region and forms part of a longitudinal study that began in 2009.
Survey available at www.cpaaustralia.com.au. For a snap shot of results click here. For full report click here.
-ENDS-
Media contact: Stuart Dignam on +61 434 003 911 or [email protected]