Technicians check solar panels in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Department of Ecology and Environment of Zhejiang Province has rolled out 20 measures to help private enterprises navigate the shift toward low-carbon operations, improve access to green financing, and accelerate eco-friendly industrial development.

As a stronghold of private enterprise, Zhejiang's 92.7 percent of large-scale industrial firms and 80 percent of total imports and exports come from private businesses. The new policies aim to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities, equipping businesses with the tools to compete in an increasingly green global market.

Zhejiang's textile sector, a major global exporter, is particularly affected by carbon-related trade barriers. To counter this, Zhejiang will establish a technology innovation service platform, providing regularly updated pollution control and carbon reduction solutions while guiding key industries through low-carbon retrofitting.

For many small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental upgrades demand significant upfront investment. To ease financial strains, the province is introducing a direct channel between environmental projects and financial institutions, exploring innovative green credit options, and ensuring private firms receive equal access to government funding.

Additionally, Zhejiang is encouraging private enterprises to monetize environmental assets, including pollution discharge rights, carbon emission allowances, and carbon credit trading — turning sustainability efforts into tangible economic benefits.