Chongqing - The 2023 Youyang International Conference on Rural Development officially commenced on August 20, with renowned scholars and industry leaders from home and abroad meeting in Southwest China's Chongqing to discuss the topics of poverty eradication and rural revitalization. Meanwhile, case examples witnessed in China will also be explored given their reference value for similar endeavors worldwide.

This conference, held in the format of themed speeches, discussion salons, and on-site inspection tours, has established a new platform for policy dialogue and academic exchange between experts from various countries to pool wisdom in common prosperity for rural areas worldwide, creating new momentum for poverty eradication and agricultural development, and to make practical contributions to sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations.

Renowned experts and academicians convene in Youyang to gain valuable insights into rural revitalization for application worldwide (Photograph/Zhao Guogan)

Zhou Song, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Rural Revitalization Bureau, explained that in the cause of rural revitalization, the most prominent features of Chongqing are high urban-rural integration, agriculture-based in mountainous areas, and their high ecological value. Despite the challenging terrain, the accomplishments in revitalization have demonstrated the value this experience holds for other countries and regions.

“I hope that more practical results will be achieved for rural revitalization through continued exchange and discussion and provide new methods and options for the modernization of agriculture and rural areas worldwide,” Zhou explained.

Foreign experts participate in an inspection tour of Hejiayan Village in Youyang County, Chongqing, to see firsthand the experience China has gained in rural revitalization (Photograph/Zhao Guogan)

Business and academic collaboration promotes the rural prosperity model

Chen Juhong, Vice President of Tencent and head of the Tencent Sustainable Social Values Business Unit, pointed out that resource management and linkage with consumer markets present the main challenges for rural development and hold major significance internationally as a topic for debate.

“Rural development in Youyang has been promoted through mechanisms, talent, and digital systems that have explored an innovative approach through a common prosperity model,” Chen added.

Business collaboration has strengthened the link between rural communities and consumer markets for local specialty products (Photograph/Zhao Guogan)

Youyang has collaborated with China Agricultural University and Tencent Corporation since 2021 and has successfully leveraged the ecological and cultural advantages of Huatian Township to achieve shared prosperity among the rural communities. This has involved the creation of practical economic models in cultivation and rural tourism, combined with modernized infrastructure, improved living conditions, and beautification of the rural environment.

Tencent is applying this common prosperity model for rural areas across nearly 100 counties nationwide. Additionally, the Chinese tech giant aims to vigorously promote innovation for their sustainable social value campaign, explore systematic solutions in rural management, and make further contributions to rural development for domestic and international reference.

Strong features of rural Chongqing include mountain-based agriculture and strong ecological value, such as Zhongba Village in Youyang County (Photograph/James Alexander)

Li Xiaoyun, Vice President of the National Institute of Rural Revitalisation, expressed his wish that the international guests from nearly twenty countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, and Indonesia, will take their newly acquired experiences in rural development back to their respective countries, and work together to achieve global development initiatives and build a shared future for humanity.