Online markets key to rural growth

China will step up efforts to promote the online sales of agricultural products as part of its broad plan to leverage e-commerce to alleviate property in rural areas, senior officials said on Friday.

Wang Bingnan, assistant minister of commerce, said at a news conference that the ministry will integrate resources from telecommunications, transportation and postal departments to help rural residents better sell farm produce online.

The State Council called on Wednesday for joint efforts from governments and enterprises to accelerate the development of rural e-commerce.