E-commerce driving development in nation's rural areas

The Chinese government's investment in roads, water projects, logistics, and internet facilities in rural areas has enabled the rise of e-commerce entrepreneurs seizing new opportunities throughout the country. Many former migrants who once worked in factories or as deliverymen in cities in eastern China are now returning to their hometowns and establishing businesses.

The central government recently called for increased efforts promoting supply-side structural reform in the agricultural sector, to achieve food security while building a modern and efficient industry.

By the end of 2017 rural e-commerce had created more than 1.3 million new jobs, with total transactions for the year hitting 120 billion yuan ($17.88 billion), according to Alibaba.