China steps up financial support for rural revitalization

BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- China's financial regulator has issued a circular on financial support for all-round rural revitalization in 2026, urging banking and insurance institutions to prioritize agriculture and rural development.

The circular, released by the National Financial Regulatory Administration Wednesday, requires sustained financial support for stable grain and oil production and agricultural technology innovation. Banks and insurers should help develop county-level industries and rural consumption, it said.

Large and medium-sized commercial banks, as well as the Agricultural Development Bank of China, must set out dedicated agricultural credit plans for 2026 and aim for sustained growth in agriculture-related loans. They are encouraged to develop agricultural industrial chain finance and expand first-time borrowers.

The notice also stressed better insurance coverage for rice, wheat, corn and soybeans, while promoting region-specific agricultural insurance products.