The inaugural event for China's 2025 New Energy Vehicle (NEV) rural promotion campaign was held in Rugao City, east China's Jiangsu Province on Sunday.
The nationwide campaign is jointly organized by five government departments - the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and the National Energy Administration.
The first event featured various models tailored to rural road conditions, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles, from over 60 NEV brands, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands yuan. Additionally, more than 10 charging infrastructure companies showcased their products.
"New energy vehicles have experienced rapid development, particularly in lower-tier markets. The gradual expansion of the NEV rural promotion campaign will drive investment in, construction of, and operation of charging infrastructure in county-level regions, enhancing service capacity. This improvement will, in turn, further promote wider NEV adoption," said Tong Zongqi, deputy secretary-general of China Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Promotion Alliance.
According to the MIIT, the number of NEV models selected for the 2025 rural promotional campaigns has significantly increased compared with previous years, exceeding 100 for the first time and reaching 124. These models span from compact cars to luxury vehicles, catering to diverse consumer demands.
This year's campaign will focus on county-level cities with relatively low NEV adoption rates but high market potential. It aims to boost NEV adoption through special sales events, and have these cities extend their influence to surrounding towns.
An MIIT official noted that this year's campaign encourages participation from various stakeholders, including NEV manufacturers, dealers, financial service providers, charging and battery-swapping operators, and after-sales service providers. By integrating policies like the trade-in program, customized promotional packages will offer consumers comprehensive one-stop solutions.
First event of NEV rural promotional campaign 2025 held in Jiangsu
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
