The Ministry of Commerce has selected 100 large farm produce
logistics firms that will receive government support, as part of
the government's bid to build a national logistics network for farm
produce.
The 100 companies were chosen by an expert panel from 179
companies recommended by local authorities, the Ministry of
Commerce confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday.
They were selected because of their large turnovers, modern
operational methods and sound management, the ministry said.
The government will provide the companies with funds and loan
subsidies for building cold chain systems, distribution centers and
large wholesale markets.
The ministry said in March it will help build 100 large
wholesale markets specializing in farm produce and foster 100 large
farm produce trading companies around the country in the next few
years.
This will help cut the transaction and transport cost of farm
produce, increase farmers' incomes and create more job
opportunities in the countryside, the ministry said.
The 100 firms sold 38.4 billion yuan (US$4.8 billion) worth of
farm products in 2005, accounting for 68 percent of their total
sales.
(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2006)