Medical security for elderly grows

The past decade saw medical insurance cover for the elderly expand considerably and the group's ability to tackle health risks also grow, an official dealing with affairs for seniors, was quoted as saying by Health News on Thursday. Li Zhihong, from the China National Working Commission on Aging, said surveys by the commission show that 98.3 percent of elderly people living in rural areas were covered by health insurance in 2010, up from just 8.9 percent in 2000.

Start made on 7 million homes

In the first 10 months of this year, work has started on 7.22 million homes under social housing plans, with a total investment of 1.08 trillion yuan ($173 billion). About 5 million homes have been completed, according to the website of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

Nation studies measles progress

China has started to verify whether measles has been eradicated in the country by 2012 - a goal set by the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization, Health News reported on Thursday. A national verification committee for the elimination of measles has been set up and will compile, verify and submit relevant data to the WHO until regional elimination is announced.

Migrant workers optimistic on life

A survey has shown that over 60 percent of migrant workers anticipate becoming urban residents in the next 10 years, with equal pay, city welfare and urban housing being their top three concerns, China Youth Daily reported. Of the 10,365 respondents, 89.1 percent live and work in cities without hukou, or permanent residence permits. The younger generation views city work as a way to improve skill sets, earn better pay and have access to the opportunities of the outside world.

China to be the largest contributor

China will maintain its leading position in terms of contributions to the global economy over the next decade, Hu An'gang, the president of the Institute for Contemporary China Studies of Tsinghua University, said on Thursday. In the past 10 years, China's contribution to the GDP increments in the global economy was larger than that of the Unites States. In global trade, the country has also played a more important role, Hu said.

Taiwan

Exports fall amid drop in demand

Taiwan's exports fell by 2.4 percent in October over the previous month to $26.53 billion, as demand from the United States and Europe slumped, the island's finance authorities said in a report on Thursday. Compared with the same period last year, Taiwan's exports fell by 1.9 percent in October. In the first 10 months of the year, its exports stood at $250.13 billion, a year-on-year drop of 3.7 percent.

Fujian

Exhibitors flock to cross-Straits expo

A five-day expo on the cross-Straits machinery industry has attracted some 541 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions. More than 100 exhibitors from Taiwan are also attending. The 3rd Cross-Straits Machinery Industry Exposition began on Wednesday in Longyan city, Fujian province.

Shandong

Good Samaritans will be rewarded

Beneficiaries should express gratitude to those who helped them with heroic deeds, as well as to the heroes' families, according to a new regulation to reward and protect Good Samaritans approved in Shandong province. The regulation said that people who perform extraordinary heroic deeds in the province will be given the honorary title of "Good Samaritan of Shandong Province", and will receive other material rewards granted by the provincial government.

Serbia

Chinese film week opens in Belgrade

The fourth Belgrade Chinese film week began on Wednesday. Nine Chinese films will be screened during the event, which is sponsored by the Chinese embassy, Jugoslovenska Kinoteka theatre and the Confucius Institute in Belgrade.

China Daily-Xinhua