China vows more support for rural industry

BEIJING - China will deepen structural reform of rural industries and upgrade the integrative development of agricultural, industrial and service sectors in rural regions.

The measures are key to promoting the modernization and urbanization of rural areas, enhancing the efficiency of agricultural investment, as well as improving farmers' income and rural prosperity, according to a statement released Wednesday after a State Council executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

Various types of industrial cooperation will be supported, including farm products processing, products storage and logistics, the statement said.

Emerging sectors which integrate agriculture with the Internet, tourism and health care will be promoted, such as rural e-commerce.

College graduates will be encouraged to return to the countryside to start family farms. Leading enterprises will be supported to invest in or participate in operating rural businesses, and farmers should share the earnings with enterprises, the statement said.

Financial support from the central government will focus more on projects which integrate various rural industries, and more favorable policies will be provided to rural businesses.