A conference on rural vitalization is held in Ninghai county of Ningbo, Zhejiang province on July 25. [Photo by Liang Zhen/zjol.com.cn]

Che Jun, Party chief of East China's Zhejiang province, urged all departments to jointly work towards a new path for rural vitalization in the new era at a conference in Ninghai county, Zhejiang on July 25.

The conference of officials from various government departments, aimed at improving the living environment of rural villages in Zhejiang, was considered a precursor for the further implementation of a project initiated in 2003, to create "tens of thousands of beautiful villages" in the province.

Over the past 15 years, Zhejiang has made constant efforts to develop rural areas, which has laid a sound foundation for overall rural vitalization, said Che. He called on departments of all levels to make plans and move quickly and efficiently to turn the plans into reality.

The Party chief pointed out that on one hand, the plans should be made in accordance with current conditions and development trends of rural areas, and on the other hand, they should break away from conventions and seek new paths.

Officials attending the conference agreed that new growth drivers should be fostered for rural industries by virtue of technologies, capitals and highly skilled professionals. Moreover, rural and urban areas should be developed side by side.

Government officials commend the model cities and counties that have done well in rural vitalization at a conference in Ninghai county, Zhejiang province on July 25. [Photo by Liang Zhen/zjol.com.cn]