MOFCOM Issues Action Plan for "Internet Plus Logistics"

On May 15, the Ministry of Commerce issued a document on its website entitled the Action Plan for "Internet Plus Logistics". The plan aims to drive deep integration of the Internet and logistics industries, promoting logistics efficiencies and e-commerce development, fostering innovative industries and releasing consumption potential.

The plan outlines a series of key tasks for upgrade of the logistics industry in e-commerce, including:

• developing e-commerce in rural areas, in medium- and small-sized cities, and residential communities;
• offline to online (O2O) integration, and 
• cross-border e-commerce. 

According to the plan, China will develop e-commerce pilot programs in 200 counties to increase sales of agricultural products online; establish 100 overseas warehouses through market mechanisms, and grow e-commerce trading volume to RMB 22 trillion (USD 3.7 trillion) by 2016.

In addition, the plan includes a number of policy measures to help achieve these goals, including research to support top-level design and the 13th Five-Year Plan for e-commerce, further infrastructure improvement of cable broadband, mobile network coverage and logistics networks; and strong combat of IPR infringement. The plan also calls for active participation in e-commerce legislation and international rules formulation, facilitating multi-lateral cooperation in e-commerce.