A team from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Areas of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) carried out a survey in East China's Shandong province from Aug 18 to 22, focusing on advancing rural digital inclusive finance and addressing gaps in urban-rural financial development.

The team visited agricultural enterprises, financial institutions, and industrial parks in the cities of Zaozhuang, Linyi, Rizhao and Qingdao. They examined progress in expanding digital infrastructure, developing data-driven financial products and services tailored to local conditions, and strengthening rural credit systems. The team also held discussions with entrepreneurs, technology experts, grassroots financial workers, farmers, and government officials to gather opinions and suggestions.

The team noted that Shandong has effectively harnessed digital finance to boost agricultural and rural development, contributing to the province's model for rural revitalization.

The team members emphasized the importance of focusing on key aspects of rural digital finance and bridging the "last mile" in financial services to support rural vitalization. They underscored the CPPCC's role in research, consultation, and policy advice to enhance inclusive digital finance in serving agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, to comprehensively promote rural vitalization, and to accelerate building up strength in agriculture.