China to boost integration of rural industries, bolster employment for migrant workers

China has released a circular to boost the construction of demonstration parks for the integration and development of rural industries and to further promote production and employment stability amid the fight against COVID-19.

The circular, jointly issued by five ministries, pledges faster fund allocations for infrastructure construction in the demonstration parks for rural industries, said the National Development and Reform Commission on March 27.

The localities should highlight the construction of infrastructure such as demonstration park roads, small-scale water conservancy, as well as garbage and sewage treatment, public health, and cold chain logistics facilities in the demonstration parks, the circular said.

They should also facilitate the construction of a number of new industrial integration development projects which are capable of creating more jobs, it said.

Migrant workers stranded in rural areas can participate in the construction of such projects, and enterprises in the park are encouraged to employ local migrant workers, it said.

The demonstration parks are encouraged to promote new business forms, such as livestreaming sales, contactless services and "no alighting" transportation to expand job opportunities for migrant workers, it said.