简体中文
China will release a national rural vitalization strategic program (2018-2022) to implement policies under the "No 1 central document" this year.
"The first draft of the program has been completed and submitted for approval," Wu Hongyao, deputy director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, told a press briefing on Monday.
The program is dedicated to guiding local governments and related departments to promote rural vitalization in a practical and orderly manner, said Wu.
The "No 1 central document" is the name traditionally given to the first policy statement of the year released by the central authorities, and is seen as an indicator of policy priorities.
This year, the "No 1 central document" released on Sunday had rural vitalization as its theme.
By vitalizing its vast rural regions, China expects to see a strong agricultural sector, a beautiful countryside and well-off farmers, said the "No 1 central document."
'Historical task'
The strategy for rural vitalization was first proposed as one of the major ways to develop a modernized economy during the 19th CPC National Congress last October.
In Sunday's document, the strategy was described as a "historical task" essential to accomplishing China's modernization goals and building a moderately prosperous society.
With over 600 million farmers, usually living in less developed rural areas, agricultural development is a must – and the Chinese central government has attached great importance to such a task as well as to the welfare of rural residents.
The latter is "an inevitable requirement for resolving the contradiction between Chinese people’s growing needs for a better life and the unbalanced development, and realizing the common prosperity of all the people," said the document.
Three-step goals
In December last year, Chinese authorities outlined during the Central Economic Work Conference three-step goals for rural vitalization, which were further explained in the "No. 1 central document".
By 2020, institutional framework and policy system should be basically established. By then, no one in China will be living under the existing poverty line, and rural productivity and agricultural supply will improve substantially.
By 2035, "decisive" progress should be made with basic modernization of agriculture and rural areas. All Chinese, either in cities or rural areas, will have equal access to basic public services. Urban and rural integration will improve.
By 2050, rural areas should see all-around vitalization featuring strong agriculture, a beautiful countryside and well-off farmers.
Proper planning required
The document put emphasis on the need for proper planning. Local governments are required to specify their plans according to the local reality, especially for the period from 2018 to 2022, and to coordinate their policies in relevant spheres.
For instance, in well-developed villages, the priority may be placed on increasing public services. In places with a long history and rich natural and cultural resources, development must be made in parallel with protection.
In villages with harsh living conditions and a fragile natural environment, more relocation efforts should be taken.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY & CGTN)
