China to improve elder-care service industry

BEIJING -- China will complete a network for the care of its elderly people by 2020, when the group is expected to reach 243 million, according to a government plan unveiled on Friday.

By 2020, the country will have an improved service system covering daily tendance, medical care, psychological counseling and emergency aid. The industry will provide more than 10 million jobs and be governed by a sound legal system, industry standards and a supervision mechanism, according to a circular issued by the State Council, or China's cabinet.

China's population of people above the age of 60 had reached 194 million by the end of last year. The figure is expected to exceed 300 million by 2025, the circular said.

It vowed that the government will improve facilities for the elderly in urban areas and service in rural areas, develop the network of home-based services and promote the construction of related agencies.

The targets also include a prosperous consumption market and the combination of healthcare and elderly services.

Policies concerning financing, land supply, tax, subsidies, personnel training and employment will be improved to facilitate the development of the industry.