Online shopping in rural China nearly doubles in 2015
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Online shopping is thriving in rural China, with last year’s transactions nearly double the 2014 amount, a Ministry of Commerce official said.
Online purchases in rural areas were up 96 percent year on year to 353 billion yuan (US$55 billion) in 2015, said assistant minister of commerce Wang Bingnan, at a briefing.
China now has more than 3,000 commercial websites specifically targeting rural areas, Wang told reporters, but acknowledged that a lack of properly trained people, poor competitiveness, an incomplete marketplace and weak infrastructure were hindering expansion. The ministry hopes to improve the logistics network and train more people.
Despite an economic slowdown, online retail sales in China remained strong, jumping 33.3 percent year on year to 3.88 trillion yuan in 2015.
Questions & Answers
Q.What was the total value of online purchases made in rural China in 2015?
What was the total value of online purchases made in rural China in 2015?
Online purchases in rural areas amounted to 353 billion yuan (US$55 billion) in 2015. This figure represents a 96 percent increase compared to the previous year, highlighting significant growth in e-commerce for these regions.
Q.What challenges are hindering the expansion of online shopping in rural China?
What challenges are hindering the expansion of online shopping in rural China?
The expansion is hindered by several factors, including a shortage of properly trained people and poor competitiveness. An incomplete marketplace and weak infrastructure also pose significant obstacles to further growth in these areas.
Q.How many commercial websites are currently targeting rural areas in China?
How many commercial websites are currently targeting rural areas in China?
China currently has more than 3,000 commercial websites that are specifically focused on rural areas. This number indicates a dedicated effort by businesses to tap into the growing online shopping market in these regions.
Q.How did China's overall online retail sales perform in 2015 despite the economic slowdown?
How did China's overall online retail sales perform in 2015 despite the economic slowdown?
Despite an economic slowdown, online retail sales across China remained robust in 2015. They increased by 33.3 percent year on year, reaching a total of 3.88 trillion yuan for the year.
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