A total of about 900 statisticians are carrying out surveys in more than 2,000 self-employed households in five zones in Pingtan county, as part of China's third national economic census which kicked off earlier this month, the Pingtan Times reported on Jan 17.

The five zones – out of a total of 213 census zones in Pingtan - concern Chengzhong Village, Guishan Community, Youying Community, Liudong Villager and Kan'ao Village.

The survey focuses on the revenue and spending of self-employed residents, including personal income and tax payments, and Zheng Zhong, deputy director of the local economic survey office, said the results are expected to provide a clear picture of the situation of self-employed households in Pingtan county, Fujian province and the whole country.

Zheng also said the survey covers self-employed people in various industries, construction, hotel, retail and catering – but does not include farmers.

The statisticians have already surveyed a total of 2,708 households in Pingtan, and they are expected to complete their work in the island county by March 7.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Niva Whyman