THE Qingdao Association of Small Enterprises was established Dec. 28.

    About 99 percent of Qingdao companies are small and medium enterprisers with more than 90 percent of them small companies. Compared with large and medium enterprises, small enterprises face more problems such as a lack of experience, money and communications channels, which need more government support.

    China’s first non-profit association for small enterprises, the association aims to serve small companies and the grass-roots economy, playing an important role in connecting companies and government, helping small companies solve their difficulties and creating good environment for innovation.

    Small companies could apply to join in the association and be recommended by district and city governments. About 350 companies involved in manufacturing, modern agriculture and modern service industries were the first to join.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Wang Yu)