China opening up state-owned enterprises to private investment

So-called SOEs are being urged to allow private investors to engage in share-stakes, property rights and private equity fund transactions.

"As was originally reported by China Daily, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) issued a statement on Thursday which provides general guidelines that pave the way for allowing private investors to participate in the restructuring of SOEs," notes BBVA in a daily flash report.

"This announcement is a further sign of the government’s focus on SOE reform, as it follows a similar new policy measure that will allow private capital to invest in domestic railways," it added.

"While specific details were not forthcoming, the guidelines urge SOEs to lift barriers currently blocking private investors from transactions involving SOEs' share-stakes and property rights. Private investors can also establish private equity funds with SOEs in order to invest in strategic emerging industries, or make overseas investments," it said further.