On the morning of 26 July, the 2023 Beautiful Countryside International Forum, hosted by the People's Government of Gansu Province and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, officially opened on its permanent site in Kang County of Longnan Prefecture Level City. With the theme of "Promoting the Integrated Development of Agriculture, Culture and Tourism - Building a Livable, Workable, and Beautiful Countryside", this year's forum boasts three main activity categories including forum discussions, exhibitions, and investment exchange. It seeks to showcase Gansu's image and expand the influence of the province by highlighting six characteristics of Gansu: international outreach, ethnic diversity, Gansu flavor, indigenous customs, ecological beauty, and investment opportunities.
The construction of beautiful countrysides is an important part of constructing beautiful China, which holds the longing and hopes of the Chinese people for better lives. With the support and encouragement from the Central Committee of CPC, the Rural Revitalization Policy, an important deployment in promoting the construction of ecological civilization and deepening the construction of Socialist new countrysides in all parts of China, was actively implemented by various regions, leading to the long-term development of rural environments and peasants’ incomes, creating a series of beautiful countrysides with outstanding achievements in various areas, such as the development of agricultural economy, rural leisure tourism, rural planning and construction, and cultural and civil heritage preservation.
This year's forum has invited experts and scholars from the Institute of Rural Development at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China Agricultural University, the National Research Institute for Rural Revitalization, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and other relevant think tanks and research institutes, in addition to representatives and comrades from relevant provincial and regional departments in Hubei, Guizhou, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Ningxia, Guangxi, and other provinces. It also saw the attendance of diplomatic envoys to China from 16 Belt and Road countries and representatives from 9 international organizations. Experts and scholars from across China and the world gathered together on this occasion to devise the path for the construction of beautiful countrysides and the strategy for harmonious and beautiful rural development. During the forum discussions, the speakers and guests fully exchanged perspectives and ideas, sharing wisdom and inspirations whilst deepening their recognition of other cultures and the consensus they share regarding development, making valuable intellectual achievements that contributed to the provision of better consulting services for the construction of liveable, workable, harmonious, and beautiful countrysides in Gansu as well as the economic development of the province.
The International Forum also hosts the Beautiful Countryside and Modern Silk Road Cold and Dry Agricultural Development Forum, the Beautiful Countryside International Youth Sub-Forum, the Integrated Development of Agriculture and Tourism Sub-Forum, as well as on-site observations, agricultural exhibitions, and investment and signing events.
International outreach is one of the highlights of this year's forum. Experts and scholars from China and abroad will discuss the latest concepts and best practices in the integrated development of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Through communication and cooperation with international colleagues, China can learn from the advanced experiences of our international counterparts and improve our international competitiveness in the field of agriculture and tourism integration.
Another highlight is ethnic diversity. Gansu is a province with varied ethnic groups and rich ethnic and cultural resources. This forum will allow Gansu to explore and preserve these resources, construct unique agricultural and tourist products with ethnic characteristics, and promote the development of the rural economy. From the scenic Longshang region to the Hexi Corridor, from the Pasture of Gannan to the Plateau of Longdong, from the mountains of Tianshan to the five countries in Central Asia, this year's forum will acquire successful experiences from the "Belt and Road" countries and regions in the construction of beautiful countrysides and showcase the rural construction achievements of various regions and ethnic communities, in addition to their unique ethnic customs.
Moreover, local flavour is another major highlight of this year's forum. Gansu Province is known as a land of gourmet food, with a myriad of distinct delicacies. This year's forum will allow the province to promote its food culture and fully showcase the results of the Beautiful Countryside and Modern Silk Road Cold and Dry Agricultural Development Forum as well as the brand-building achievements of "Gansu Flavor", allowing more people to learn about and become fond of Gansu's food culture.
Colorful and beautiful countrysides are the building blocks of diverse and beautiful China. The organizers hope that this year’s forum can invite all guests to freely share their thoughts and ideas, exchange experiences, engage in mutual learning, devise strategies and policies, and participate in the collective discussion of constructing beautiful countrysides. This year’s forum will also serve as a platform for Gansu Province to unlock a new era for the construction of beautiful countrysides and facilitate the upgrade of beautiful countrysides, building a solid foundation and injecting great momentum for rural revitalization.