II. Overview
This year's No. 1 Central Document was prepared in line with the remarks of General Secretary Xi Jinping and outcomes of the 5th Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. It aims to advance rural vitalization and accelerate agricultural and rural modernization by providing guidance on all work related to agriculture, rural areas and rural people. It consists of 26 articles in five parts. The key points can be summarized into "two ensured aspects, two well-started aspects and one strengthened aspect."
The "two ensured aspects" are the consolidation of the outcomes of the poverty eradication program and food security. The document highlights the importance of a transitional period for the smooth progression from poverty eradication to rural vitalization, and ensuring that large-scale poverty does not ever reappear. It also calls on provincial-level governments to maintain the acreage of grain planting and increase yields to ensure a constant annual production of 650 million-plus metric tons in the 14th Five-Year Plan period.
The "two well-started aspects" refer to making a good start in agricultural and rural modernization. In terms of agricultural modernization, China will strive to address two critical issues of seeds and arable land, strengthen the development of modern agricultural science and technology and farming equipment, build a modern rural industry system and agricultural operation system, and push for green development. In terms of rural modernization, under the framework of the rural development program, China will launch a number of key projects and activities to improve rural residents' living environment and access to infrastructure and public services, boost rural consumption, and promote urban-rural integration at the county level.
The "one strengthened aspect" refers to strengthening the CPC's comprehensive leadership on work regarding agriculture, rural areas and rural people. The document sets out specific requirements to enhance Party leadership on and work mechanisms for rural affairs and strengthen community-level Party building and governance in rural areas. It also stresses the need to ensure the input for prioritized development of agriculture and rural areas.
It is fair to say that the document is both timely and visionary. On one hand, it is firmly grounded in current realities by laying out tasks that must be completed this year. On the other hand, it is of strategic significance and shows the direction by specifying considerations and priorities for the 14th Five-Year Plan period. In conclusion, it serves both as a set of instructions for this year and a blueprint for the next five years.
That's all for my introduction. Now, my colleagues and I will take any questions you might have. Thank you.
Chen Wenjun:
The floor is open for questions. Please identify your news outlet before asking your question. Thank you.
