The Chinese government is concerned about the slow growth of private investment. Official figures show private investment rose only 5.2% in the first four months, in sharp contrast with a 23.5% rise from state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The central government has sent nine teams to 18 regions, including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and the northeastern provinces from May 20 to check on the implementation of policies to support private investment. President Xi Jinping toured the northeastern province of Heilongjiang while Premier Li Keqiang visited Hubei on fact-finding trips to expedite reforms in state-owned firms and revive regional growth. Executives at private firms mentioned several problems, such as market access restrictions, hurdles to obtaining bank loans, unfair competition from state rivals and tedious red tape. China’s leaders are preparing to hold a key policy meeting in the seaside resort of Beidaihe in Hebei province, the South China Morning Post reports.