China shows world how to deliver parcels

Song was a housewife until her husband was badly injured in a work accident in 2009. She then tried various jobs, including doing odd jobs and running a small restaurant, but none proved sustainable.

She said she is grateful to be a courier, as it has supported her through challenging times.

Zeng Junshan, director of the bureau's Policy and Regulation Department, said China's parcel delivery industry has established a successful formula and become a prominent calling card for China on the global stage.

"The keyword for the next stage is to better connect with the world and strive to build a more secure, convenient, efficient, green, economical, inclusive and resilient sustainable express delivery system," he said. "This system aims to better connect urban and rural areas, integrate production and life, communicate domestically and internationally, and reach all corners of the world, promoting the smooth flow of goods."

Wei Jigang, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said: "The ultimate goal for the development of the parcel delivery sector is to extend the network to every corner and deliver all kinds of products to all people, regardless of their location."

The sector aims to handle 142.5 billion consignments this year.

Zhao, the head of the State Post Bureau, outlined the sector's development strategy, goals and work priorities for 2024 at last month's conference.

He emphasized that the country's parcel delivery network and logistics system will be further improved, with a focus on building major infrastructure and enhancing cargo transportation capabilities by air and road.

The use of high-speed railways for parcel delivery and the promotion of multimode transportation will also be encouraged.

The network and service quality in rural areas will also be enhanced, with scheduled passenger buses to be used to solve the "last kilometer" delivery problem in rural areas.

Zhao said another major goal for the parcel delivery sector this year is green development, with companies to be encouraged to use more new energy vehicles for transporting parcels.

Contact the writer at luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn