China to boost rural entrepreneurship with local bases

China aims to form 100 national demonstration bases for rural entrepreneurship and innovation in three years as part of its efforts to strengthen innovative power in rural areas, the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs said on Thursday.

The ministry will also step up efforts to nurture 400,000 people devoted to entrepreneurial and innovative projects in rural regions as of 2020, plus tens of thousands of tutors.

In September, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a document on promoting high-quality and upgraded entrepreneurship and innovation.

The move provides ample opportunities to enhance the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas, according to Zeng Yande, head of the ministry's Department for Rural Industry Development.

"The 100 demonstration bases will serve as local hubs for rural innovators and entrepreneurs and provide efficient and convenient services for them," he said.

Collaboration platforms that connect the local workforce with finance authorities, venture capital firms and innovation funds will also be established, Zeng added.

In addition, the ministry will work with related departments to implement favorable policies related to market access, financial services and aid, training, information technology and more to foster a better environment for rural business.