The government of Jianggan district in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, introduces a set of new policies to cultivate live stream salespeople at an event themed around e-commerce live streaming on May 13. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

Jianggan district in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, rolled out policies which officially designated "live stream celebrities" as "new sales talent" at an event themed around e-commerce live streaming on May 13.

An official from the Jianggan organization department said that the district hopes to cultivate 30 high-caliber e-commerce workers and 100 young e-commerce workers within the next five years, by giving internet celebrities engaged in e-commerce activities a higher status.

According to the official, the district will provide comprehensive support to e-commerce talent for matters related to household registration, accommodation, child education, health care, and financial services.

On May 11, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security released a notice listing "live stream salesperson" as an offical new profession.

The policies implemented by Jianggan district are also expected to raise the sense of self-worth among "live stream salespersons".

"I used to run two restaurants before I became a 'live stream salesperson'. Recently, my partners and I started a live stream to promote imported goods in Yiwu, a city in Zhejiang province, and we have already generated 3.6 million yuan ($507,371) in sales," said Chen Dong, who is new to the live stream e-commerce industry.

"I think it's worth it to give the industry a go," he said, adding that Jianggan's new policies targeted at e-commerce live streaming talent are attractive.

Lyu Qiaoyan, who is also a live stream salesperson, said that she was excited by the new policies. "My parents are always trying to persuade me to switch to a 'decent' job, since I chose to become a live stream salesperson after graduating," she said.

"But the new policies give me a sense of belonging," Lyu added.

Two live stream salespeople pose for a photo at the event held in Jianggan district, Hangzhou on May 13. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]