Core Insights - The article highlights the booming production and export of water caltrop, also known as "water ginseng," from Chongqing, China, particularly in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, which is the largest production area globally [1][3]. Industry Overview - Water caltrop is a perennial aquatic herb that requires high-quality water and soil conditions for cultivation. It is currently grown on a large scale in regions such as Zhejiang, Chongqing, Hubei, and Hokkaido, Japan [3]. - The planting area for water caltrop in Shizhu is reported to be 14,000 acres, with an annual production of 14,000 tons. The county has developed 35 types of products, including leisure foods, beverages, and skincare items, which are sold in markets such as South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia [3][4]. Export Developments - In December 2024, Chongqing's Water Fire Soil Food Industry Co., Ltd. signed a $100 million export contract with a Japanese company, which includes $80 million worth of water caltrop products. This marks a significant step in the international trade of this agricultural product [4]. - The first self-operated export of ready-to-eat water caltrop occurred in January 2025, indicating a growing presence in international markets [4]. Market Dynamics - The demand for water caltrop is increasing, particularly in Japan, where it is considered a premium ingredient due to its limited local production. As a result, imports from regions like Chongqing are essential [3]. - The harvesting season lasts approximately four months, with significant orders being placed, and advanced preservation techniques allow the product to be stored for extended periods [3]. Local Economic Impact - Local farmers are engaged in the harvesting process, earning between 7 to 8 RMB per kilogram of fresh water caltrop, with daily earnings potentially reaching 800 RMB for efficient workers [5]. - The establishment of the Shizhu Water Caltrop Industry Association in 2024 aims to further develop the industry, focusing on market expansion, technological updates, and product development [7].

Group 1 - Chongqing has introduced the "Chongqing Optimization of Business Environment Special Action Plan (2024-2027)" which includes nine special actions and 41 key tasks aimed at improving the administrative, market, legal, innovation, and resource guarantee environments to boost the private economy's value added to 1.98 trillion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 6.2% [1] - The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce emphasizes the construction of an international business environment, focusing on optimizing foreign trade and investment, enhancing foreign investment service levels, and improving the foreign trade service system to create a market-oriented, law-based, and international first-class business environment [1] - In 2024, Chongqing will hold 61 roundtable meetings for foreign-funded enterprises, addressing 225 corporate demands, and has established a team of 531 "administrative service stewards" to assist 6,778 foreign-funded enterprises, resolving 390 urgent issues [1][2] Group 2 - Chongqing promotes the "Yumao Global" brand, organizing over 1,000 enterprises to participate in more than 100 overseas exhibitions in 2024, resulting in nearly 5 billion yuan in orders from events in Singapore and Russia [2] - The city is enhancing its foreign trade service system by developing customs, logistics, and financial services, helping local products like mushrooms and water plants exceed 100 million yuan in exports [2] - In 2024, Chongqing's cross-border e-commerce transaction volume is expected to reach nearly 40 billion yuan, showcasing the growth of new business models [2] Group 3 - Chongqing is set to continue optimizing its international business environment by implementing national foreign investment policies, removing restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and attracting quality foreign capital into industries like new energy vehicles and intelligent equipment manufacturing [3] - The city will advance the "Hundred Groups and Thousand Enterprises" international market expansion plan and support domestic trade enterprises in reaching overseas markets [3] - Chongqing aims to enhance platforms like the China-Singapore cooperation and the Liangjiang New Area, fostering the development of industry clusters in intelligent connected new energy vehicles, thereby creating a world-class advanced manufacturing base with top-tier services and international business environments [3]

Core Viewpoint - The articles emphasize the importance of strengthening supervision and inspection in the development of rural characteristic industries to ensure high-quality growth and effective implementation of agricultural policies [3][4][5][6][7]. Group 1: Supervision Mechanisms - Local governments are establishing coordination mechanisms among various departments to enhance supervision in rural revitalization, focusing on information sharing and joint efforts [4][5]. - A supervision checklist mechanism has been created to identify risks in policy implementation, fund management, and technical services, with specific tasks and responsible units outlined [4][5]. - The establishment of a dynamic tracking system for financial subsidies and project approvals is aimed at monitoring policy execution and ensuring effective implementation [4][5][6]. Group 2: Focus on Local Characteristics - Different regions are tailoring their supervision strategies to local agricultural characteristics, such as tea, coffee, and avocado industries, to promote sustainable development [5][6][10]. - The integration of supervision into the entire chain of rural characteristic industries is crucial, ensuring that quality and efficiency are maintained from production to sales [9][10]. - The emphasis on ecological protection alongside agricultural development is highlighted, with specific measures taken to address environmental concerns in industry practices [10][14]. Group 3: Addressing Issues and Challenges - The articles discuss the need to tackle common issues such as data falsification, ineffective implementation, and lack of accountability in agricultural projects [4][6][12]. - A focus on resolving the "middle bottleneck" in industry development through problem-oriented approaches is essential for enhancing productivity and efficiency [7][12]. - The establishment of a feedback mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural policies and funding is critical for continuous improvement [8][12][14]. Group 4: Community Engagement and Benefits - Engaging with local communities to understand their needs and concerns is vital for effective supervision and policy implementation [7][12]. - The goal is to ensure that the benefits of rural characteristic industry development reach the local population, enhancing their livelihoods and economic conditions [11][14]. - Continuous efforts are being made to rectify issues related to corruption and mismanagement in agricultural funding to safeguard community interests [12][14].