China News Agency:

I have two questions. First, more than a year has passed since the Rural Revitalization Strategy was rolled out. Can you elaborate on what progress has been made, what problems have been encountered in the implementation process, and how will you complete the key tasks in the start-up period? Second, for 16 consecutive years in the new century, the CPC central committee has focused on the issue of the work related to agriculture, the rural areas and the farmers in its No. 1 Central Document. Why should the central government continue to focus on this issue? What is the significance? Thank you.

Han Changfu:

The Rural Revitalization Strategy was a major strategy proposed at the 19th CPC National Congress, and was approved for inclusion in the Party Constitution. Over the past year, all localities have conscientiously implemented the central government's decision-making and arrangements in this regard, and worked hard to promote implementation with carefully-organized plans. Local governments have studied and formulated policy opinions for such implementation, and introduced their own plans accordingly. As we all know, in the second half of last year, the National Rural Revitalization Strategic Plan was released. In September, there was also a press release issued in this very place, detailing how all localities basically had formulated their supporting plans. It should be said that the mainframe for the implementation of the Rural Revitalization Strategy is basically established, and the timetable and tasks for promoting the strategy made clear. At the same time, in regard to the key areas and the key links, both central and local governments have developed a number of implementation plans, and set up a number of major projects and actions. Fresh progress has been made in such tasks as the development of rural industries and the renovation of human settlements. It can be said that the implementation of the Rural Revitalization Strategy has made a good start.

However, in regard to what you have asked, there are a number of problems still to be addressed. The development of agriculture and rural areas is obviously insufficient and imbalanced, and we need to address certain difficulties and problems during implementation of the rural vitalization strategy .

For example, cities and counties need to attach greater importance to rural vitalization, while the shortage of people, land and money should be fundamentally resolved. At the same time, while improving local infrastructure and people's livelihood, rural areas are incurring increasing debt. More to the point, a certain number of farmers remain less motivated.

Our next step must focus on the key tasks of implementing the rural vitalization strategy, ensuring they are better supported with resources and institutions. A great many measures have been specified in this year's "No. 1 Central Document" and the country's plan on its rural vitalization strategy issued last year. So far as I am concerned, there are four key aspects. First, we should carefully study President Xi's important remarks regarding agriculture, rural areas and rural people, with the theories as a guideline for us to implement the rural vitalization strategy in a concerted way.

Second, we will enhance the institutional support to ensure the five-level Party secretaries have their duties closely aligned with rural vitalization. Taking clear cut responsibilities, all officials involved will be evaluated, and the results of the evaluation will have a big say in deciding the overall level of official performance.

Third, we should follow the policies prioritizing development of agriculture and rural areas. We need to improve our top-level design, creating preferential policies for rural development and prioritizing the demand for competent officials, resources, funds and public services to address the shortage of people, land and money. Rural vitalization requires both strenuous efforts and great financial support.

Fourth, we should create a sufficient pool of talents dedicated to rural vitalization. Priority should be given to human resource development in rural areas, making headway in bringing talented minds together with technical and administrative support, at the same time, establishing teams constituting those expert in agriculture and passionate about rural areas and rural people.

The aforementioned are highlighted as our assignments in the next stage.

As to the second question, the "No. 1 Central Document" has focused on the work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers for the 16th consecutive year. I think this sends out two messages. First, the CPC Central Committee has been attaching great importance to the work and showing great care for rural people, prioritizing the work on its agenda. Second, this year and the next form a decisive period for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and quite a few tough tasks must be fulfilled on regard to our work, especially issues relating to the poor regions. So, this year's "No. 1 Central Document" is of particular significance for the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the achievement of the First Centenary Goal. Thank you.

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