Rural vitalization, ethnic unity efforts drive Hechi's development

In Damou town, Dahua Yao autonomous county, people from various ethnic groups celebrate the Sanyuesan Festival. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Hechi has achieved high-quality economic and social development thanks to its ethnic unity and rural vitalization efforts. In 2021, Hechi's GDP broke through the 100 billion yuan ($15.3 billion) mark, with an increase of 8 percent.

There are eight ethnic groups living in Hechi, with the ethnic minority population accounting for 85.3 percent of the city's total population of 4.34 million. There are five ethnic minority autonomous counties in total. Among them, Luocheng and Huanjiang are the only Mulam and Maonan autonomous counties respectively in the country.

As part of its efforts to expand its poverty alleviation achievements and effectively connect with rural vitalization, Hechi has taken measures in various fields.

The city has dedicated 120 million yuan for the economic development of ethnic minorities, implementing 241 projects, such as road construction, to improve the working and living conditions in the areas where ethnic minorities reside.

It promoted agricultural industry projects, accelerated the construction of modern agricultural parks, and promoted the integrated development of agricultural industrialization to help ethnic minority groups increase their incomes.

In addition, it distributed funds to support education and medical care undertakings for ethnic minorities. It also focused on improving housing safety and drinking water safety levels.