China's rural economy has made good progress this year, thanks to many favorable factors, it was agreed at the annual central economic conference at the weekend.

To maintain good development momentum, the country should continue to focus on rural issues. Agricultural infrastructure will be strengthened next year and rural living and working conditions improved, the conference said.

The transformation of administrative fees into taxes in rural areas and exploration of new financing channels for agricultural development, in order to ensure the steady rise of farmers' income, will be continued.

China will also quicken the pace of agricultural technology innovation, while improving development of grassroots organizations in rural areas, said the conference.

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2004)