File photo shows a factory of Qilu Pharmaceutical Company, located in Jinan Innovation Zone, being put into operation. [Photo/WeChat Account: sw-e23]

"The protection for the private sector, enterprises and entrepreneurs, written into the Government Work Report, has impressed me the most," said Li Yan, a deputy to the second session of the 13th National People's Congress, as she spoke highly of the policies rolled out by the government to promote the development of private companies.

Li, also the chairman of Qilu Pharmaceutical Company in Jinan East China's Shandong province, made the remarks while attending the annual national people's congress in Beijing.

The report states the government will make major improvements to the environment for the private sector, encouraging, supporting and guiding its development.

Apart from the favorable policies, innovation also plays a key role in private companies' development, said Li.

Qilu Pharmaceutical Company is committed to  pursuing independent innovation, fostering new growth drivers and promoting quality improvement.

The company pays much attention to research and development. It has invested 1.8 billion yuan ($26.8 million) to research and development in 2018 and will invest 2.5 billion yuan in 2019.

To date, more than 200 products have been listed and more than 30 types of drugs are the first or exclusive in China, and four types of drug have won the second prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award.

Qilu Pharmaceutical Company has become the first domestic enterprise that has passed the certification of American FDA, European Union EDQM and British MHRA sterile products and its products have been exported to more than 70 countries and regions.

In 2018, 11 preparations were exported to the United States, with the export value increasing by 131 percent year-on-year.

The company has also built five innovative drug research platforms in Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Shanghai and Jinan.