Grassroots deputy eyes measures to revitalize countryside

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From the countryside in Hubei to the country's top legislature in China’s capital... Chen Liaoyuan has journeyed far.

Among nearly 3,000 deputies of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) , there are 468 first-tier workers and farmers like Deputy Chen, accounting for 16 percent of the total. And that's a two-percent increase from the 12th NPC.

As a grassroots deputy, his proposal has received significant attention at the session.

Deputy Chen liaoyuan attends group discussion at the Two Sessions. /CGTN Photo

Chen said his first time at the Two Sessions went beyond his expectations.

He said it's been so exciting to have a meeting at the Great Hall of the People, noting that it's a great honor for him to be so close to the country's top leaders.

As a village chief, he said the government work report’s plan to revitalize the countryside impressed him the most.

He is especially very delighted to see that the government vowed to build over 200,000 miles of highways in the countryside.

Deputy Chen talks to CGTN's Hou Na. /CGTN Photo

For grassroots deputies like Chen, the priority is to get their message across to the top leadership.

The government work report aims to lift more than 10 million rural residents out of poverty in 2018.

Chen said eliminating poverty and revitalizing the countryside require a strong industrial base.

He hopes the government can implement more practical measures to develop industrial chains in the countryside.

After talking to other NPC deputies from the grassroots, Chen said he felt the weight of his responsibilities, and hoped to bring home more inspiration and practical solutions for his fellow villagers.