Private companies eager to explore previously restricted sectors

Following the unveiling of a string of policies by the central government to encourage the opening of monopolized sectors to private investment, some private enterprises have decided to test the waters.

Guanghui Energy Co Ltd, a privately held natural gas pipeline operator based in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, said that it had applied for a crude oil import license, an area which is currently strictly controlled by several State-owned enterprises.

"We sent the application to the top authorities quite a while ago, but have yet to receive any feedback," said Wang Yuqin, board secretary of Shanghai-listed Guanghui Energy.