BEIJING: China has introduced a sweeping action plan to develop digital-intelligent supply chains, aiming to transform key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. The plan, released jointly by eight major government departments including the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission, highlights Beijing’s push to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce societal costs.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), the new strategy targets the creation of smart factories, automated supply systems, and tech-enabled retail channels by 2030. The initiative aims to identify and support around 100 national-level leading enterprises and several hub cities dedicated to advancing the country’s digital supply chain capabilities.
Key goals of the plan include improving the flow of raw materials, warehousing, and logistics within the wholesale sector through digital coordination. Service providers in agricultural supply chains will also receive support to upgrade to intelligent market systems. Retailers are encouraged to use digital tools to analyse consumer behaviour and share real-time data with manufacturers and brand owners.
The plan promotes the use of smart warehousing and autonomous delivery vehicles to cut logistics costs and boost speed across supply chains. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in advancing new industrialisation and ensuring the resilience and security of supply systems.
By 2030, the goal is to establish scalable, autonomous, and efficient digital supply chain models across China’s core industries. This transformation is expected to further strengthen the country’s global trade competitiveness and align with broader digital economy goals.
The policy is also seen as a move to stabilise supply chains amid rising global uncertainties and create high-tech, responsive systems capable of adapting to future demands.
