China's Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council have unveiled their 21st \\"No.1 central document,\\" focusing on the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas. Titled \\"Opinions on Learning and Applying the Experience of the Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation Project to Effectively Promote the Comprehensive Revitalization of Rural Areas,\\" this document underscores the country's ongoing commitment to agriculture and rural development.
For the first time, the Zhejiang-based \\"Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation Project\\" has been highlighted as a key model in this central document. Initiated by Xi Jinping during his tenure in Zhejiang Province from 2002 to 2007, the project aimed to enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmers' livelihoods, and better the rural environment. Approximately 10,000 villages in Zhejiang were selected for comprehensive improvements, with around 1,000 central villages developed into well-off demonstration communities.
Over the past two decades, Zhejiang Province has witnessed remarkable progress thanks to the sustained implementation of the Project. The disposable income per capita of rural residents surged from 5,431 yuan ($754) in 2003 to 40,311 yuan ($5,600) in 2023, outpacing other provinces in China. Additionally, the urban-rural income ratio decreased from 2.43 to 1.86, marking the lowest level of disparity among all Chinese provinces. In recognition of its environmental achievements, the United Nations awarded Zhejiang the prestigious Champions of the Earth Award in September 2018.
The success of the Project can be attributed to strong leadership and unwavering support. Zhejiang established a robust governance mechanism with top Communist Party and government leaders overseeing the initiative. Financial resources were allocated through targeted funds, municipal subsidies, and county-level budgets. Annual summit conferences involving provincial Party leaders and government officials ensured continuous momentum, while regular accolades for outstanding collectives and individuals fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
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China's No. 1 central document highlights rural revitalization
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