Premier Mao Chi-kuo today demanded more cross-ministerial collaboration on local industry development, noting that such efforts would help bolster local economies.
Mao made the remarks at the weekly Cabinet meeting after a briefing by the Council of Agriculture (COA) on the success of rejuvenating farming communities and developing local industries. Youths returning to their hometowns can help reenergize and regenerate local economies, he noted.
In recent years the COA has been promoting the Rural Rejuvenation Program, incorporating the innovative concept of agricultural value chains and providing concrete assistance measures in research and development, production, processing and marketing services. In so doing, it has helped engender quality living in rural farming communities and fostered opportunities for developing ecology and increasing production.
The COA's efforts, professionalism and achievements are worthy of commendation, the premier remarked. He instructed the COA to share its successful experience and work with other ministries and agencies to duplicate its success.
Introducing corporate management into the agricultural sector, listing related businesses on the over-the-counter or stock markets and exporting agricultural products are directions for advancing the industry. These developments will be conducive to developing local industries, generating employment opportunities and increasing the income of rural residents. They will also help engender an environment conducive for young people to return to their hometowns for advancement. The premier asked the COA to make good use of cross-industry cooperation platforms and mechanisms to channel the expertise of different fields as well as the resources of the public and private sectors into agriculture.
Rejuvenation of farming communities is promoted through agricultural innovation via diversified developmental models. Another sound developmental means is through social enterprise, the premier pointed out. In addition, the online economy and e-commerce are important platforms for breaking through traditional agricultural production and distribution channels.
The COA stated that to date 2,208 rural farming communities nationwide have participated in the Rural Rejuvenation Program, encompassing more than half of the nation's rural farming communities and involving the participation of more than 140,000 individuals. Of these, 533 communities have already drawn up community visions and submitted their rejuvenation programs to their respective city and county governments. The COA and relevant administrative agencies will work to assist these communities to achieve their dreams.