According to an analysis released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the entrepreneurs' confidence index rose to 121.8 points in the third quarter of the year, 2.6 points higher than in the second quarter and 6.4 points higher than in the same period last year.

NBS figures show that the index jumped in the first quarter of the year and maintained a steady upward trend in the second and third quarters.

The NBS said the optimism of overseas investors in China's economy played a major role in boosting entrepreneurs' confidence. The confidence index of overseas-funded enterprises climbed to 133.2 points by the end of the third quarter, higher than most other types of enterprises.

NBS figures show that both the confidence index of share-holding companies and the index of company investment in capital assets rose in the third quarter. This indicates investment will maintain a strong momentum in the near future.

The NBS predicts that entrepreneurs' confidence in the economy will continue to strengthen in the fourth quarter.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2002)