The 4th Rural Vitalization and Development Forum of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League (CDL) was held in Jiyuan, Henan province, from April 9 to 10.

Themed on developing modern, large-scale agriculture and solidly advancing all-around rural vitalization, the forum was hosted by the Social Services Department of the CDL Central Committee and the CDL Henan Provincial Committee.

Wang Guangqian, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and executive vice-chairman of the CDL Central Committee, attended and addressed the gathering.

Wang pointed out that the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) identifies building agriculture into a modern, large-scale industry as a key objective, and the No 1 central document for 2026 makes specific arrangements around this strategic goal. The theme of this forum represents the commitment of the CDL Central Committee to implementing the CPC Central Committee's plans and advancing work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers in the new era.

It is essential, Wang said, to accurately identify the role of the CDL in serving rural vitalization. Leveraging the distinctive strengths of the CDL, continuous efforts should be made to drive agricultural development with science and technology, enrich it with culture and revitalize rural industries, he said. It is necessary to carry forward the fine traditions of the CDL, conduct in-depth research, offer targeted suggestions, deliver pragmatic social services and persistently contribute to all-around rural vitalization, he added.

At the opening ceremony, keynote reports were delivered by Qin Baojian, mayor of Jiyuan and director of the Management Committee of the Jiyuan Demonstration Area for Industry-City Integration; Wang Jing, a professor at the Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and chief scientist of the State Key Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agro-Products; and Yu Minhong, chairman of the Education Committee of the CDL Central Committee and chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group. Ten authors of outstanding papers also presented their findings and exchanged views.