China to boost industry integration in rural areas in 2020: ministry

BEIJING -- China will highlight industry convergence in rural areas in 2020, laying a solid foundation for rural revitalization, according to a plan issued Monday.

The country will focus on crossover resource allocation in key modern industries, strengthen innovation and enhance agricultural cluster and chain, said the plan released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, stressing the integrated development of primary, secondary and tertiary industries in rural areas.

It noted that efforts should be made in industrial chains expansion, facilitating integration development and upgrading agricultural function.

It also demanded efforts to introduce a raft of agricultural complexes of varying scales with prominent leading industries, shared raw material base and vital link with farmers.

Leading enterprises play an important role in the complexes. The country urged local governments to support these firms and strengthen supervision.

Meanwhile, in a bid to deepen this sector's crossover integration, the country also vowed to enrich commercial activities such as digital and smart agriculture with new technologies, including the Internet of Things, blockchain, artificial intelligence, 5G and biotechnology.

China aims to eradicate poverty and achieve its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects this year.