Phoenix:
We note that the document proposes to promote standardized operation of the transfer of various rural property rights. What specific measures will the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs take in 2019? Thank you.
Han Changfu:
Reform of the rural property rights system is an important part of overall rural reform, which requires us to fulfill two tasks. First, that means making an inventory of assets, or, in other words, figuring out how many collective assets there are, including operational assets and non-operational ones. This work should be basically finished by the end of this year. The second aspect is pushing forward the pilot reform of the joint-stock cooperative system and establishing joint-stock cooperative organizations in rural areas. We need to figure out who owns these assets and how to manage and operate them, and establish a set of effective mechanisms featuring clear property rights and ownership. Th pilot reform program is expanding currently with a growing number of counties and cities across the country engaged. The reform also involves many policy-related factors. Now, urbanization and industrialization are accelerating, and a large number of farmers, namely members of collective economic organizations, are leaving the rural areas to work and carry on business, and even settle down in the cities. Great changes have taken place in rural areas, as well as among members of collective economic organizations. Therefore, the amount and ownership of collective assets has to be figured out. Moreover, the rural revitalization strategy is currently underway to increase farmers' income from property, and the reforms should also be promoted to revitalize rural resources. With the documents on the reform issued by the Central Committee, progress is being made in an orderly manner in fulfilling these two key tasks. We believe that, with gradual progress of reform, the vitality of rural areas will be further unleashed. Thank you.
