China Holds First Gala for Gig Economy Workers

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Chinese city of Changsha in Hunan Province hosted the country's first online gala dedicated to workers in new forms of employment, including food delivery couriers, postal workers and other professionals employed in the digital economy.

Among the participants was 26-year-old food delivery courier Alim Abyl from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. He performed the traditional song and dance piece "Xinjiang Calls," showcasing the culture and traditions of his home region.

"This is my first time performing on stage in Changsha. I hope my song allows everyone to feel the warmth and beauty of Xinjiang," Alim Abyl said in an interview with China News Service.

During his performance, he also spoke about his hometown and introduced traditional products from Xinjiang, including Xinmei plums and melons from Payzawat County in Kashgar Prefecture.

It was not Alim's first appearance before a large audience. He had previously taken part in Xinjiang's public music project "We Sing."

According to Alim, his interest in performing began after a chance encounter while working. During a food delivery, he saw a young singer performing on stage before an audience. The atmosphere, applause and support from the crowd left a lasting impression on him.

"I realized that an ordinary person could also step onto the stage and be heard," he said.

After that experience, he began combining his work as a courier with vocal training and promoting the culture of his home region through social media.

"I used to think the stage was far beyond my reach. Now I realize it is right in front of me—behind the handlebars of my electric motorcycle," he said.

The gala gave couriers and other workers in new forms of employment an opportunity to showcase their talents. The programme featured songs, dance and musical performances, stand-up comedy and other creative acts.

Organizers said the event offered a new perspective on people who work on city streets every day but often remain unnoticed by the wider public. For one evening, they became not just part of daily urban life but storytellers of their own experiences and the stars of the stage.

The expansion of the digital economy and platform-based services has led to rapid growth in new forms of employment, including food delivery couriers, ride-hailing drivers, postal and logistics workers, live-streaming professionals, parcel delivery couriers and others working in flexible internet-based jobs.

This growing workforce is playing an increasingly important role in supporting employment, stimulating consumer demand, maintaining economic activity and ensuring the smooth functioning of cities.

According to official statistics, China now has more than 84 million workers in new forms of employment.

China has also adopted its first dedicated policy document on the management and support of workers in new forms of employment.

The document is intended to address the most pressing issues affecting these workers, improve their social protection, job satisfaction and sense of security, and create conditions for their comprehensive development.