China pushes rural modernization

Source:

03-10-2006 15:17

With rural issues dominating proceedings at today's session of the NPC, the concept of building a "new socialist countryside" is coming to the fore. So much so, that it's set to become an integral part of the nation's next five-year socio-economic development program. Just hours ago, the NPC held a press conference to brief the media on the concept, and on China's efforts to modernize its vast rural areas.

Officials from the ministries of agriculture and finance, and the state development and reform commission, attended the news briefing.

They outlined the "New Socialist Countryside" concept.

Vice minister of Ministry of Agriculture Yin Chengjie said: "A New Socialist Countryside is the expectation of thousands of millions of Chinese farmers. It means advanced production, improved livelihood, a civilized social atmosphere, clean and tidy villages, and efficient management."

To achieve this goal, officials say improved infrastructure for farmers should be the foundation.

Vice minister of Development & Reform Commission Du Ying, said: ".. According to the overall requirements of the central government to prioritize infrastructure investment in the countryside, and in light of the pressing problems faced by agriculture in rural areas, and by farmers in general, the national development and reform commission will pay particular attention to the these areas."

To be specific, the Chinese government will install more water facilities to irrigate farmland, and ensure that rural residents will have access to safe drinking water.

Road construction will continue with the goal of facilitating farm work. By the end of 11th Five-Year Plan, all small towns will have road access.

Regarding energy and power sources, efforts will be made to expand the use of clean fuels, and the construction of the rural power network will be completed.

Meanwhile, the central and local governments will spend more on constructing a rural co-operative medical service system. By the end of 2008, it's expected to cover all areas.

As part of the new approach, officials say the Chinese government will establish a funding system to enable industries to support agriculture, and cities to support the countryside. The government has also pledged to set up a working mechanism to help rural economies, and an incentive mechanism to involve farmers in China's development.

Building a "New Countryside" is a far-reaching program for China. It's strategically designed to balance rural and urban development. But timely implementation is key to achieving the country's overall prosperity and stability.

Editor:Wang Ping