Briefs | China prepares for typhoons in Pearl River valley

Flood control authorities warn that the Pearl River valley will face tough flood, drought and typhoon conditions this year. Precipitation along the drainage area of the Pearl River, the second-largest river in China in terms of run-off volume, is higher than the previous yearly average, said Shu Qingpeng, director of the Pearl River Water Conservancy Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources, at a meeting. The El Niño effect is likely to continue, he said, adding that parts of the area are likely to see a concurrence of drought and floods. Chen Wu, commander-in-chief of flood control authorities along the Pearl River, ordered local authorities to prepare for the drought period and ensure a safe supply of water in the Greater Bay Area.

Guangdong to fully open aged care market

Guangdong province has abolished an old regulation on the market access of aged care institutions to boost the development of the industry, local civil affairs authorities said on Monday. A registration and filing system will be put into practice to replace the old license system, which has been implemented since December 20, 2014, to lower the threshold for setting up aged care institutions. Social sectors are encouraged to participate in the industry. China saw improvements in its aged care system, with 163,800 aged care institutions and facilities offering 7.46 million beds for senior citizens as of the end of 2018. A raft of measures are being taken to accelerate the development of the aged care service industry, including fully opening the aged care market by 2020.

China int’l cultural fair concludes

The 15th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair concluded Monday in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, showing a higher level of internationalization, organizers say. The fair attracted 22,167 overseas business people from 103 countries and regions, including exhibitors and buyers, according to the organizing committee. Consisting of nine pavilions, the main display venue covered 105,000 square meters, 23.5 percent of which was for overseas exhibitors. The five-day event showcased China’s cultural development, progress in advancing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau cultural integration and innovation, integrated media development, and innovations and creative designs. The event attracted more than seven million visitors as of Sunday, with the number of visitors to the main venue increasing over 10 percent from last year.