Countryside forum boosts sustainable cooperation

Projects signed to improve social welfare in areas

The 2020 "Belt and Road" Beautiful Countryside Forum was held in the city of Longnan in Northwest China's Gansu province from Monday to Wednesday, where cross-regional cooperation was discussed for common prosperity in rural areas.

This year's event was co-hosted by the Gansu government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the World Tourism Alliance and the Association of the Beautiful Villages of the Belt and Silk Road in France.

It featured a main forum held at its permanent venue in Kangxian county, three parallel forums, two signing ceremonies and an awards ceremony, the event's organizers said.

Sun Wei, deputy Party secretary of the province, said Gansu, which plays an important role in the ancient Silk Road and the BRI, is committed to rural revitalization.

For example, Kangxian county has built 70 demonstration villages for rural tourism and four national 4A scenic areas, the second-highest level in China's five-tier quality rating for tourist attractions.

The province has strived to build the beautiful countryside that not only boasts unique characteristics but can bring huge benefits to local residents, Sun said.

"We will continue to explore and utilize rural resources, making them become a strong driver of local economic growth."