Liu Yonghao, chairman of New Hope Group and a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), receives an interview ahead of the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 15, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

The private business sector has become an important part of the country's economy, said Liu Yonghao, chairman of New Hope Group, on Thursday.

"The private sector has provided 80 percent of jobs in the markets and contributed over 60 percent of the country's GDP, about 50 trillion yuan ($7.9 trillion) last year," said Liu, who is also a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

"The private sector has witnessed, contributed and benefited from the country's opening-up strategy," said Liu.