The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs released a guideline in January to support people returning home to set up businesses, hoping entrepreneurs would create more jobs for people in rural areas to help them shake off poverty.

Entrepreneurship in villages relies on stimulating the vitality of various resources. Along with abundant space, rural areas also enjoy the advantage of a large and flexible labor force.

Choosing a good project is very crucial as it can attract capital, talent and technology to the countryside. Instead of imitating the experience in other areas, people should make targeted plans according to local conditions. Local governments should implement policies to create a sound business environment, which is a necessary support for enterprises to survive a competitive market. Developing a fair, open and transparent environment with high efficiency is one of the most reliable guarantees for people returning home and starting up businesses.

However, local governments should adhere to high quality standards and principles, while drawing up a negative list to avoid problems such as overcapacity.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People's Daily on May 8)    

(Print Edition Title: Entrepreneurship Guideline)