China's express delivery sector saw a noticeable growth in September with the industry's monthly development index coming out at 442.5, a 9-percent increase year on year, said the State Post Bureau (SPB) on Thursday.
In the first three quarters, the express delivery market handled over 120 billion pieces. The monthly business volume growth rate remained around 20 percent year on year. Since May, it has become commonplace for the monthly express delivery volume to surpass 14 billion pieces, with the highest daily volume exceeding 580 million pieces. Additionally, regional development has become more balanced.
"Express delivery companies continue to enhance the supply of delivery services in Xinjiang, increase investment in transportation capacity in remote areas such as Xizang, and promote the rapid growth of the express delivery business in the northwest and southwest regions. The year-on-year growth rate of business volume in Shaanxi, Gansu, and Inner Mongolia is expected to exceed 45 percent," said Liu Jiang, director of the strategic planning research department of the development and research center of the State Post Bureau.
In addition, the sector has expanded its services to specific groups. It has established campus service sites at major universities, actively explored smart medical services, and facilitated the delivery of medical record reports, medicines, test samples, medical devices, and other products. The sector comprehensively utilizes intelligent devices such as drones, unmanned vehicles, and smart cabinets to help hospitals achieve traceability of pharmaceutical reagents, visualize the entire logistics process, and customize cold chain transportation. This provides strong support for expanding new development opportunities and releasing new consumption capacity.
"New modes such as live streaming have developed rapidly, leading to the continuous expansion of the express delivery market. Under the guidance of the trade-in policy for consumer goods, smart homes and green household appliances are increasingly becoming new hotspots for online delivery. Additionally, the delivery scale of seasonal fresh food, fitness and healthcare products, holiday items, flowers, and plants has expanded, with express delivery companies playing an active role in promoting the sustainable development of new consumption," said Liu.
China's postal sector posts 9-pct growth in Sept: report
Macao, one of the world's top places for life expectancy, has dedicated significant efforts to fostering favorable environments for the health and well-being of its elderly population.
In September this year, the government-built senior housing project was completed and officially inaugurated. Designed for elderly individuals capable of independent living, the project integrates cutting-edge elderly care technologies to ensure safety and comfort.
"Why did I choose the senior apartment? It is because I know their equipment is designed for the safety of the elderly, and this is what I need most right now," said Kuan Wai I, a dweller in the facility.
The apartments offer more than just a reliable living environment. They also create a vibrant community for seniors. Kuan, who enjoys playing the saxophone, plans to organize a band and participate in various activities available in the building. In an interview with China Central Television in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China on December 20, 1999, Kuan expressed her enthusiasm for learning, eager to join as many interest classes and activities as possible.
Macao's commitment to elderly care is not limited housing. Initiated in 2009, the "Peng On Tung" Tele-Assistance Service Center provides around-the-clock emergency assistance and daily support services for seniors living alone, aging couples, those with chronic illnesses, and others in need. Even if someone simply wants to talk due to loneliness, they will not be turned away.
"Peng On Tun" is operated by the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macao, with strong support from the Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. Its affiliated service department, the Yijun Center, not only cares for elderly residents in Macao aged 55 and above with poor health, but also offers lifelong learning opportunities for Macao residents aged 45 and above.
Macao has long prioritized the protection of its elderly and individuals with chronic or severe illnesses. The region offers generous welfare benefits to seniors, including pensions, elderly subsidies, and cash sharing schemes. Permanent residents aged 65 and above are entitled to free preventive care services at public hospitals. Since 2009, the government has also issued annual medical vouchers to all permanent residents, further easing the financial burden of health-care.
Known as the "City of Longevity," Macao's life expectancy reached 83.1 years in 2023, ranking among the top three globally. This achievement is largely attributed to the region's high pension benefits and comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive care and health maintenance.
"Since Macao's return [to the motherland], the life expectancy of Macao residents has increased by five years, and our global ranking has risen from 12th to 3rd. Furthermore, the mortality rates for both newborns and pregnant women have remained exceptionally low," said Lo Iek Long, director of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.
In Macao, a health center is available for every three square kilometers, offering residents convenient and free medical services.
"We provide entirely free primary-level medical services, based on the concept of family medicine, through our network of health centers," Lo said.
In July this year, the Macao SAR government unveiled the Healthy Macao Blueprint, calling for collective efforts across society to turn Macao into a healthy city by 2030. Its overarching goals include improving health literacy among all residents, promoting healthy lifestyles, controlling major chronic diseases, and continuously enhancing residents' quality of life.
The story above was featured in the third episode of the China Media Group (CMG) documentary, titled "25 Years of Lotus Bond," created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.
The series premiered on CCTV-1 at 20:00 Dec 13 and will run until Dec 17, with subsequent broadcasts on CCTV-4 and CCTV-13.
Macao strives to become elder-friendly city to support healthy aging
