Core Insights - The report highlights the implementation of free preschool education in China starting from the autumn semester of 2025, aiming to enhance the quality of educational services [1] - The policy will exempt public kindergarten fees for the last year of preschool education and provide similar fee reductions for private kindergartens, thereby increasing enrollment rates [1][2] - The government aims to improve the gross enrollment rate in preschool education, which is currently at 92%, through financial support and dynamic regulation of kindergartens [1] Financial Implications - In 2023, preschool education accounted for approximately 6.2% of fiscal expenditures, and with the joint financial support from central and local governments, funding for preschool education is expected to increase [2] - The central government will cover 80% of costs for the first tier of kindergartens, 60% for the second tier, and 50% for the third to fifth tiers, effectively reducing the financial burden on families [1] Investment Opportunities - The report suggests that the free preschool education policy will boost education-related stocks in the short term and may improve birth rates in the long term, benefiting the education sector [4] - Recommended investment targets include K9 related companies such as Excellence Education Group (3978.HK), New Oriental (EDU.N/9901.HK), and TAL Education Group (TAL.N) [4]
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