What they say at the Beautiful Countryside International Forum

Innovation and sustainability are key concepts in the agricultural policy of the Netherlands. Innovation in products, technology, organization and business has proven to be essential for competitiveness and long-term sustainability in the Netherlands. With around 100 companies, the Netherlands is the most active country in horticulture, here in China. These companies introduce Dutch solutions together with Chinese partners to build sustainable greenhouses, to feed the cities. The combination of Dutch and Chinese technologies can work well and should be technology driven.

Karel van Bommel, agricultural attache of the Netherlands embassy in Beijing

It is an honor and privilege to be invited to the 2023 Beautiful Countryside International Forum in Longnan city. Rural development is critical to sustainable economic development in Africa as the majority of its population live in rural areas. Reducing inequality of access to opportunities and increasing capabilities are a prerequisite for sustainable transformation and growth, as shown by the experience of emerging countries. But in turn, rural transformation will change the economic and social equilibriums because it will give more weight to rural areas in the structural change. Since 2013, the Africa Rural Development Forum has become a platform for consensus building, political ownership, and knowledge exchange to champion rural transformation, territorial development and planning.

Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, permanent representative of the African Union to China

Longnan city in Gansu indeed bears the weight of history to host this forum that aims to promote exchanges and cultural integration, and strengthen collaboration on rural transformation. I trust today's forum will further broaden the horizons of rural development and enhance our exchanges on how to build a brighter rural life in a sustainable way. A beautiful and harmonious countryside is in line with the development concept of benefiting all and leaving no one behind. It is the commendable outcome of the past four decades of endeavors by China for rural development, represents the people-oriented principle and reflects the wishes of millions of rural residents.

Qu Sixi, the representative of the World Food Programme China

Gansu has always been a key hub on the Silk Road, with vast territory and beautiful scenery. In recent years, it has gradually become a golden area and a gateway to China's opening-up to the world in the new era. Gansu will continue to leverage its geographical advantages and play a leading role in promoting international exchanges and cooperation.

Deng Xiaogang, vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs

Gansu takes the construction of beautiful countryside as an important driver for rural vitalization and agricultural modernization, and focuses on enhancing the ecological foundations, beautifying the appearance of villages, activating industrial dynamics and improving the quality of life. We will focus on Gansu's practice of Chinese-style modernization, and make efforts to make a harmonious countryside a vibrant backdrop for Gansu's modernization. With the goal of building a modern cold-arid special agricultural highland, we will insist on promoting leading enterprises, filling the gaps in the industrial chain, developing new business models and building brands. The province will tap into local resources, maximize unique advantages and enhance production benefits. Moreover, we will cultivate new industries such as rural tourism, leisure agriculture, sightseeing agriculture, healthcare agriculture and rural e-commerce.

Ren Zhenhe, governor of Gansu