Changes to ease shortages in Shanghai, Jilin introduced

China's top economic planner has launched an interprovincial system to increase vegetable supplies in support of Shanghai and Jilin province, the hardest-hit areas by the current outbreak of COVID-19, an official from National Development and Reform Commission said on Tuesday in Beijing.

The system also makes it easier for trucks to carry daily supplies to both places, said Xu Zhengbin, deputy director of the commission's Economic Operation Adjustment Bureau.

Some Shanghai residents have experienced shortages due to the citywide lockdown, which is now entering its third week in some parts of the city.

The national railway operator China State Railway Group, arranged for cargo trains to transport vegetables to Shanghai. Transfer hubs in the neighboring provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu have been set up, and some have begun operation.

Xu said the commission has strengthened monitoring and scheduling systems to track stocks and price changes, and has taken targeted measures accordingly.

Increased communication and information sharing between different government organs such as those involved in commerce, agriculture and transport, has been introduced to ensure sufficient supplies and smooth logistics, he added.

The next step is to enhance monitoring and organize production and supplies to ensure smooth logistics, Xu added.

The deputy director also said the commission will coordinate and urge regions to better cooperate on last-mile delivery issue to ensure sufficient daily necessities reach areas affected by the outbreaks.