(ECNS) -- The Chinese upper-middle-class is in the making, with consumption rates above the masses, which means the country should make efforts to meet strong purchasing demand, said Gao Hucheng, China's Minister of Commerce, on Tuesday.
Some estimates put the population of that income class at around 90 to 100 million, Gao said at a press conference held at the State Council Information Office.
He noted that standards to measure consumption levels differ in cities, but that undoubtedly a new upper-middle-class is emerging across the country.
This economic bracket is not satisfied with mass market forms of consumption or lower-quality products or services. They require more diversified products, better quality, enhanced safety and more comfortable shopping experiences, Gao explained.
He added that the ministry would give priority to addressing concerns and meet the demands of affluent consumers. Cross-border e-commerce will be robustly developed so they could easily buy global products at home, it was said.
The per capita GDP in some eastern coastal areas has reached $10,000 or even $15,000, generating a growing interest in overseas shopping.
