China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Friday published 15 measures to further support the large-scale development of the western region in the new era.
The new measures focus on the construction of open ports in the western region, supporting the opening or expansion of ports in areas that have needs and meet certain criteria, and promoting the construction of smart ports.
Innovative facilitation measures should be explored for river-sea and rail-sea intermodal transportation, supporting the high-quality development of multimodal transport, according to the GAC.
Support will also be provided for the construction of international aviation hubs Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an, and Urumqi among others.
Additionally, reforms such as the integration of comprehensive bonded zones and ports will be explored in the western region.
The newly introduced measures focus on promoting the development of characteristic and advantageous industries in the western region, while building up new quality productive forces in line with local conditions.
Chinese Customs issues new measures to promote development of western region
Chinese Customs issues new measures to promote development of western region
As China's elderly population grows, shopping malls in Shanghai have actively adapted part of their services to cater to the needs and preferences of elderly consumers, tapping into silver-haired consumer market.
This trend reflects the city's efforts to enhance elderly care services amid the population aging. By the end of 2023, people aged 60 and older reached 5.68 million in Shanghai, representing a whopping 37.4 percent of the city's total population.
A shopping mall on the downtown Nanjing East Road pedestrian street has opened a dedicated club for senior citizens, offering a diverse range of activities from the operation of health workshops to traditional handicraft classes.
"I gain a lot every time I come here. I can participate in various club activities and also exchange knowledge and everyday life hacks with others," said Fu Meilin, an elderly resident.
The mall houses nearly 60 time-honored brands, along with dining and entertainment options suited to senior citizens.
Another business district in Shanghai's Putuo District has adopted a different approach, focusing on attracting retirees during weekdays while catering to younger shoppers on weekends.
Restaurants offer affordable off-peak meal deals priced under 100 yuan (about 13.88 U.S. dollars), attracting a large number of senior customers.
To ensure a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for the elderly, many shopping malls have conducted age-friendly renovations, including providing comfortable seating areas, accessible restrooms, and consumer guidance services for the elderly shoppers.
Driven by the population aging, China's "silver economy" has shown vast growth potential, with the market currently estimated at around seven trillion yuan and projected to reach a 30 trillion yuan by 2035.
Shopping malls in Shanghai adapt to cater to growing 'silver economy'
