BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — China has recently released a guideline to strengthen the “silver” economy as part of efforts to address the challenges of an aging population.
The guideline, issued by the General Office of the State Council, specifies measures to expand, standardize, cultivate industrial clusters, and improve the branding of the silver economy.
Prioritizing the well-being of its senior citizens, the country must improve food and health care services for the population and expedite the development of elderly care institutions, according to the guideline.
It anticipates the establishment of around ten industrial parks to develop the silver economy nationwide, urging efforts to cultivate industry leaders and stimulate senior citizen consumption.
Efforts should also focus on nurturing new business models related to smart health and elderly care, as exemplified by the development of nursing and housekeeping robots, along with biotechnologies that help alleviate age-related illnesses, the guideline says.
Financial institutions are encouraged to launch more products for senior citizens and increase support for developing elderly care facilities and programs.
- The guideline says the silver economy incorporates economic activities that cater to senior citizens with tailored products and services, and prepare for the challenges of an aging population.
China‘s Zhejiang sees increasing power consumption
HANGZHOU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — Zhejiang Province, an economic powerhouse in east China, saw a 6.78 percent year-on-year increase in electricity consumption in 2023, signaling positive momentum in its economic growth.
The province’s power usage reached 619.2 billion kWh last year, with the manufacturing sector taking up about 345 billion kWh, marking a yearly rise of 8.74 percent, according to the State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd.
Among the 31 manufacturing subsectors, 29 saw positive growths in power usage, represented by high-tech and high-value-added sectors such as photovoltaic equipment production. Meanwhile, some high-energy-consuming industries, like aluminum smelting, saw falling power usage.
“The power usage figures are a telling reflection of the industrial upgrade trend in the province,” said Sun Gang, a deputy director of the power supply company.
The province’s tourism and consumption also witnessed a strong rebound last year, evidenced by a 15 percent growth in power usage in the wholesale and retail sector, and a 12.1 percent increase in power usage in the hotel and catering sector