China has witnessed steady progress in the consumption of green and smart home appliances, and is expected to increase consumption in rural areas through carrying out favorable policies and improving infrastructure.

　　According to a report released by China Electronics and Information Industry Development Research Institute, a think tank under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China's home appliance market volume reached 881.1 billion RMB in 2021. The small cities and rural areas contributed 277.5 billion RMB, with an increase of 8.9 percent year-on-year, a higher growth rate than the national market.

　　Promoting green and smart home appliances is not only in line with the country's efforts to pursue a path of green, low-carbon and sustainable development, but also meets people's needs for a better life, said the think tank.

　　Recently, a series of supportive policies have been adopted to promote the consumption of green and smart home appliances. On July 29, the State Council proposed that local governments will provide moderate subsidies or subsidized loans for consumption of green and smart home appliances and green building materials.

　　Authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce, issued a guideline on July 28 to encourage the replacement of old household appliances with new ones, and bolster the consumption of green and smart home appliances in rural areas.

　　To promote smart home appliances, the MIIT said China will facilitate the construction of 5G and gigabit networks, while extending its coverage to towns and rural areas.