China's cargo transportation sees robust recovery

With production and life resumed gradually, Shanghai is returning to normalcy. The picture shows the truck traffic on Shanghai Ring Expressway on May 19. [Photo/visual.people.cn]

China's cargo transportation has recorded steady recovery as the country introduced multiple measures to ensure smooth logistics and supply, a transport official said on May 11.

On May 10, the number of trucks running on expressways nationwide topped 7.21 million, up 25.65% from April 10, said Li Guoping with the Ministry of Transport.

With the joint efforts of various regions and departments, the unsmooth logistics flow, triggered by the COVID-19 resurgence, has been initially eased and major logistics indicators have continued to improve, Li said.

On May 10, the country's railway and road cargo volume rose 5.71% and 6.16%, respectively from April 18. Cargo throughput at China's major ports rose 1.12%, while business volume of postal and express services increased by around 20%.

The ministry will work with relevant departments to ensure smooth and orderly transportation and logistics, and provide strong support for stabilizing the industrial chains and supply chains, Li said.

China to continue bolstering support for unemployed people

On May 25, students participate in a special recruitment activity on the campus of Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang City, Hunan Province. [Photo/VCG]

China will continue to step up support for unemployed people to ensure their basic living needs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

Policies to expand the coverage of unemployment insurance will be extended for one more year, Gui Zhen, an official with the ministry said on May 12.

Unemployment insurance benefits will be gradually raised to 90% of the minimum wage standards, Gui added, noting that efforts will be made to ensure unemployed people have easy access to insurance benefits through various channels.

In the first quarter of 2022, the surveyed urban unemployment rate averaged 5.5%, basically unchanged from the same period last year.