Pioneering for common prosperity

Wu Renbao (right) introduces Huaxi village to visitors, Oct 28, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

Huaxi village in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province is known as China's richest village. It stretches more than 30 sq km, administrating 16 subordinate villages, with a population of 35,000.

The village has emerged to riches via collective companies. Its accumulated operating revenue has reached 380 billion yuan, and the villages pays 6 billion yuan of tax in total, according to Xinhua News Agency.

But when the village was founded in 1961, it was home to only 667 villagers. The village's collective assets back then was a mere 25,000 yuan, and owed 15,000 yuan in debt, allocating an average of 53 yuan to every villager. It occupied only 0.96 sq km.

Villagers say that all the achievement should be attributed to Wu Renbao, former secretary of the village's Communist Party Committee.

Wu talked villagers into putting their portion of the year-end bonus into collective factories when China initiated the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, which led the village to the fast lane of prosperity.

To help adjacent villages enjoy the benefit, Wu suggest neighboring villages to unify with Huaxi into a Greater Huaxi village, which won unanimous support from villagers from neighboring villages, and helped Huaxi village to expand from the original 0.96 sq km.

Wu was elected as a representative of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. His successor, Wu Xie'en was elected as a representative of the coming 18th CPC National Congress.

"Though I am no longer a representative, I am still concerned with and expecting the 18th CPC National Congress", said Wu.

"Huaxi village will continue its path pursuing common prosperity, and greet the opening of the event with harmonious development", he said.

Wu Renbao (R2) on the premiere of the film Wu Renbao, which is based on his experience, in Huaxi village, Jiangsu province, Oct 28, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]