(CFP Photo)

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises signed contracts worth 10.924 billion yuan in government purchases in Suzhou in the first half of the year, accounting for 66.35% of the city's total purchase value.

According to the city's Department of Finance, government purchasing has aided the development of green industries, prioritized energy-saving and environmentally friendly products, and fully implemented the sustainable procurement idea across the board.

In the first half of the year, the city's government procurement of energy-saving and water-saving products amounted to 173 million yuan, while the procurement of eco-friendly products reached 175 million yuan.

Amid continuous efforts to optimize the business environment and promote the development of small businesses, Suzhou has given full play to the role of government procurement. The city has also strengthened procurement management, enhanced implementation of supportive measures, and increased the share of small businesses in government purchases.

Furthermore, to support poverty-stricken areas and rural vitalization, Suzhou has guided government procurement to focus on agricultural and sideline products from less-developed areas.