Proposals for rural modernization

Source:

03-10-2006 14:49

At the ongoing session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. 12 CPPCC members presented proposals to the advisory body on Wednesday. They dealt mainly with the modernization of rural areas in a socialist society, and developing a circular economy.

The welfare of farmers and the development of rural areas topped the agenda. CPPCC members suggested a variety of ways to improve life in the countryside. One of the most significant is a rural economic co-operative - farmers banding together to share their economic and business knowledge.

CPPCC member Chen Yaobang said: "To better protect the interests of farmers, and stimulate economic development in rural areas, the key point is to train farmers to work within a new development mode. The traditional concept of farming is out of date. They also need knowledge of technology, economics and law. A cooperative economy in rural areas can combine farmers' skills."

Currently the rural cooperative system is in its infancy, including less than ten percent of China's farmers. Chen said a law should be passed on co-operatives to provide them legal protection. He also called on the government to improve financial and taxation support.

Economist Xiao Zhuoji also focused on the issue, calling for the full implementation of the policy of "giving more, taking less and encouraging flexibility". He highlighted that the government must "give more", as this has a far-reaching influence on farmers. He said more government funding is strategically necessary to drive rural economic development and narrow the gap between rural and urban regions.

Representing the All China Federation of Trade and Commerce, Zhang Longzhi called for a level playing field to help the development of the private economy. He said the government should update the current laws and regulations in this field. He also stressed the importance of a better policy and market environment for the private economy.

CPPCC member Wang Jiyong said the government should take active measures to establish and improve the ecological environment compensation mechanism. Wang said strengthening ecological and environment protection and construction is the national implementation of sustainable development strategies' basic requirements. He said this is the key to the implementation of long-term stability. He also suggest amending environment protection laws and standardizing administrative work.

Lu Zhiqiang called for a concrete and workable scheme for the development of a circular economy. He said there are a number of problems that must be overcome to develop a circular economy, including a lack of public awareness.

Chen Changzhi, proposed that China's financial budget should be adjusted. One vital aspect of this would be to increase the transparency of the budget's capital flow. He said public funds should be well organized and directed to the most needy social sectors.

CPPCC member Chen Shouyi also emphasized the need for efficiency in the budget. He said public monitoring should be strengthened, and all levels of government should make their budgets public and explain key projects.

The more than two-thousand CPPCC members also discussed other issues including developing the west regions, and encouraging scientific and technological innovation.

Editor:Wang Ping