Chinese e-commerce giant JD has announced that, starting March 1, it will provide full-time food delivery riders with comprehensive social insurance and housing funds, while part-time riders will receive accident and health insurance.

The move makes JD the first platform in China to offer such extensive insurance coverage for delivery personnel, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of employees.

The announcement follows JD's recent launch of its food delivery service. The company also revealed that catering merchants who register on its platform before May 1 will enjoy commission-free services for the entire year, alongside comprehensive support.

China's food delivery market is primarily dominated by Meituan and Alibaba's Ele.me. Meituan also announced plans on Wednesday to offer full-time and part-time riders social insurance starting in the second quarter of this year.