Goals set to boost connectivity of national logistics network

China has set goals to advance the development of the country's logistics network by 2030, aiming to improve connectivity and better support the real economy, according to a plan released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport.

By 2030, China expects to make notable progress in developing its logistics network with closer coordination between logistics hubs and industries, enhanced internal and external connectivity, greener and smarter facilities and equipment, and greater interoperability of rules and information, according to the plan.

The plan aims to help effectively reduce logistics costs across society, bringing total social logistics costs to 13.1 percent of GDP by 2030, down 0.8 percentage points from the end of 2025.

This will help improve the efficiency and performance of the real economy and support smoother economic circulation and high-quality development, it said.

Hospital assistance program to enhance county-level healthcare

China has issued a new work plan to deepen a program under which tertiary hospitals provide targeted assistance to county-level hospitals, as part of broader efforts to channel quality medical resources to grassroots and remote areas.

The plan, released on Aug 25 by five departments, including the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, covers the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.

It supports flexible arrangements for retired medical professionals with intermediate or senior professional titles to participate in the program and provide demonstration and mentoring services.

To strengthen the service capacity of county-level hospitals, the plan calls on hospitals providing assistance to tailor their support to the development of recipient hospitals and local healthcare needs.

Hospitals providing assistance should help county-level hospitals formulate plans for developing clinical specialties, broaden their range of diagnosis and treatment services, and strengthen their capacity to treat common and frequently occurring diseases, provide emergency care, and deliver public health services, including infectious disease prevention and control.

Modern agricultural market system to be built by 2030

China aims to have a modern market system for agricultural produce in production areas in place by 2030, according to a new five-year plan issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The agricultural product market system in production areas provides comprehensive services, including trading and distribution, processing and storage, logistics and delivery, price information and brand marketing. It provides fundamental support for ensuring a stable and secure supply of agricultural products.

By 2030, wholesale markets for agricultural products in production areas will be better distributed, while trading, cold-chain and logistics facilities will be further improved, according to the plan.

The agricultural product information monitoring and early-warning system will also be strengthened to better support decision-making and guide market expectations.

The plan sets out specific measures, including upgrading wholesale markets in production areas, accelerating improvements to cold-chain logistics facilities, establishing and improving rural service outlets linking production with sales, and expanding the consumption of green and high-quality agricultural products.