Plan aims to cut logistics costs

The central government has asked for a concerted effort to lower logistical costs in an action plan issued by the State Council on Monday. China wants to reduce the ratio of logistics costs to sales revenue from 8.9 percent in 2014 to about 8.5 percent for manufacturers, and from 7.7 percent to around 7.3 percent for wholesale and retail sellers, by 2018. The government will streamline reviews and approvals for logistics companies, cutting taxes and fees, under the plan drafted by the National Development and Reform Commission.