China is stepping up efforts to improve access to credit for millions of gig workers, with Ding Xiangqun, minister of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, saying the regulator will encourage financial institutions to develop dedicated, inclusive financial products for new employment groups, such as truck drivers, ride-hailing drivers, food delivery riders, and couriers, to support businesses and stabilize employment.

Coverage will apply to food delivery workers, rideshare drivers, and other platform-based flexible workers, even without formal labor contracts, with companies paying all premiums.

Bao Zhang began driving for a Chinese ride-hailing app this year after losing his job as a software tester and says the weak job market gives him little hope of returning to the…