Poverty alleviation remains to be a shared dream for all human beings since ancient times. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, solemnly announced that a complete victory in poverty alleviation had been scored. We eradicated extreme poverty and eliminated regional poverty, lifting around 100 million people out of poverty. China, as the world’s largest developing country, has been dedicated to helping other developing countries reduce poverty and improve people’s livelihoods. Sharing experience of poverty alleviation through cooperation on human resources development is an important way to achieve such goals.
The Seminar on Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development for BRI Countries, held from October 26 to November 4, 2022, was a complete success. This is the ninth seminar themed on poverty alleviation held by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO). 21 officials from Egypt, Pakistan, Peru, Mozambique, Nepal, Turkey and Venezuela attended the seminar. AIBO made full preparations for lectures and invited a number of former ambassadors and experts in the field of poverty alleviation to introduce the significant and historic achievements made by China in the eradication of absolute poverty. Experts focused on sharing China’s poverty reduction experience and introduced new development opportunities that the 20th National Congress of CPC will bring to the world as China starts a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects. They also explained in detail to participants the characteristics of Chinese modernization and its significance to the world.
4 participants from the Ministry of Land, Cooperation and Poverty Reduction of Nepal actively participated in the seminar and discussed ways for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Nepali participants highly commented on China’s poverty alleviation achievements during these discussions and exchanges. They agreed that China’s experience in poverty alleviation provides good examples for the world and Nepal should learn from China and work together to promote global poverty alleviation.
If there is an example to learn for poverty alleviation, it must be China
“Since its reform and opening up in 1978, China has lifted 850 million people out of extreme poverty through flexible and targeted poverty alleviation policies, which is an unprecedented achievement worldwide.” Nepali participant Anant Kumar Hasnet appreciated China’s poverty alleviation achievements at the opening ceremony of the seminar. He said that China’s victory in poverty alleviation attracted heated discussion in Nepal. He wants to learn about China’s experience in poverty reduction through this online seminar organized by the Chinese government.
Anant and other participants haven’t been late for lectures. They listened carefully, thinking about questions and interacting with speakers. Mr. Anant told Chinese executive team that he is no stranger to China. He had been to China many times before the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting many cities and villages, and has a deep understanding of the dedication of China’s grassroots Party member, the hard work of Chinese villagers and the extraordinary achievements of China in the last decade. As a frontline official in Nepal’s poverty reduction efforts, Mr. Anant understands the difficulties of reducing poverty. When he saw that the less developed areas of southwest China, such as Yunnan and Guizhou, which he had been there in the past, become more urbanized, he was impressed and told us that China’s remarkable achievements in poverty reduction are attributed to the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China and the leadership and plans made by President Xi Jinping in person. “To achieve initial prosperity in the countryside, it is essential to raise rural living standards and particularly those of impoverished villagers.” “No single poor area or single poor person should be left behind in achieving this goal.” All these show the political vision and people-oriented principle held by President Xi. According to Mr. Anant, “The solemn commitment of Chinese leaders, the effective implementation of various targeted poverty alleviation policies and the strong support of the Chinese people are the three main tools that enable Chinese people to shake off poverty. If we can learn from these three tools of China, I believe we can also shake off poverty and backwardness.”
Mr. Anantaraj Lamichhane, the seminar participant and colleague of Mr. Anant, thinks alike. He said: “China’s success in reducing poverty is based on sound policies, hard-working people and reliable projects. The three tools when integrated not only promote industrial development and economic growth but also continue to create opportunities for social development.” Mr. Anantaraj thinks that China, with the largest population worldwide, eliminates absolute poverty and sets a good example for the world. Based on its national conditions and the rules of poverty reduction, China has made a set of effective policies, working and institutional systems, and has developed a path of poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics.
Mme. Parbati Aryal, an expert of poverty alleviation, is interested in China’s agricultural mechanization and rural modernization. Mme. Parbati believes that the “code” for poverty alleviation in China is the synergy of all efforts. She said that it is the shared purpose and participation of policymakers, intellectuals and technicians that ensure the timely transfer of many new technologies and knowledge, thus accelerating rural development and making rural poverty alleviation more successful. The campaign saw an end to the backwardness of poverty-stricken areas.
When it comes to the contribution of China’s achievements in poverty alleviation to the world, Mr. Tilakram Pokharel believes that China’s practice has injected confidence and momentum into poverty alleviation for mankind. It shows that with a dedicated government and leaders, we can lift people out of poverty with sound policies and adequate resources. He emphasized, “Setting a goal is not difficult, but the key is how to properly, systematically and consistently implement. China has made historic achievements for its adequate plans and full implementation in the fight against poverty.”
China’s assistance promotes Nepali socio-economic development
China and Nepal, though separated by the Himalayas, are friendly neighbors. During the seminar, the executive team kept in touch with Nepali participants. These exchanges enhanced mutual understanding and developed a deep friendship.
When it comes to the friendship and engagement between China and Nepal, Mr. Anant expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their consistent support to Nepal and gave many examples of the assistance that China has provided to Nepal in many areas. Anant said, “When the 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, the Chinese government and people rushed to the aid of Nepal. China then provided a package of medium- and long-term reconstruction assistance, making an important contribution to restoring livelihood in Nepal after the earthquake. As for poverty alleviation, China has helped Nepal in decision-making and poverty reduction through the Belt and Road Initiative. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has provided several COVID-19 supplies and vaccines to Nepal. We are grateful for that.”
Mme. Parbati always focuses on agriculture. She said that Nepal, as a traditional agricultural country, needs modern agricultural technologies the most. China, as a major country with remarkable achievements in agriculture, knows well the needs of its neighboring country Nepal. “China’s assistance, effective and practical, makes our agriculture more specialized and productive. China also enhances farmers’ skills and improves management through training. These measures ensure farmers a regular income, break the vicious cycle of poverty and promote sustainable development in agriculture, rural areas, economy and society.”
As for education, Mr. Tilakram is impressed by China’s approach to poverty alleviation through education as a way to stop poverty from being passed on to the next generation. He sees poverty alleviation through education as a fundamental solution and thinks this approach will significantly improve growth quality in poor areas. At the same time, Mr. Tilakaram thanks China for making education an important part of its assistance to Nepal. Chin helps build a number of primary and secondary schools and vocational and technical schools and provides computers, laboratory equipment, cultural and sports supplies and other teaching materials. It also supports civil society organizations to implement schooling programs for poor girls in Nepal. During the pandemic, China initiated the Smiling Children Feeding Program (Food Distribution) through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. By doing so, despite the pandemic, more than 3,000 Nepali children in poor communities didn’t drop out of school. “Thanks to China, we achieved growth and took care of our neighbors’ children. All these measures gave us hope for development.”
As the famous Chinese saying goes, building the road is the first step to become prosperous. Mr. Anantaraj repeats this saying many times because he has a deep understanding of the importance of infrastructure for poverty reduction. “In 1961, China helped Nepal build the Araniko highway, which is visionary. This highway has been the lifeline for our transportation, economy and trade. In recent years, China has also helped us expand our airports, making it easier for cross-border exchanges and trade. We are working together to build the trans-Himalayan connectivity network. I look forward to it. The network will help us better achieve economic growth and poverty alleviation, and help transform Nepal from a landlocked country to a ‘land-linked’ one.”
Looking forward to working with China to promote global poverty alleviation
Currently, the pandemic hasn’t seen a turning point, which leads to obstacles in economic growth and increasing risks of poverty worldwide. To prevent serious setbacks in global development and poverty alleviation, Mr. Anant calls on officials in the field of poverty reduction to focus not only on providing food, money or building houses, but to address root problems under the guidance of the development concept just like China. Mr. Anant said, “Despite various negative factors, including the pandemic, China, with a 1.4 billion population, achieved the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule, which sets a good example for the world. Policies adopted by China to eliminate poverty can serve as a good example for the world. Other developing countries can learn from it in accordance with their own national conditions.”
On October 22, the CPC successfully concluded its 20th National Congress. Nepali participants agree that the 20th CPC National Congress will provide guidance for China to set out on a new journey and achieve new progress and bring new opportunities to the world. Participants expressed their willingness to continue to carry forward the traditional friendship between our two countries. Nepal is ready to work with China to share experience and strengthen practical cooperation on poverty reduction and sustainable development. As our two sides promote bilateral relations entering a new era, Nepal will also learn from China’s achievements in poverty reduction and achieve its vision of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” as soon as possible. Besides, Nepali participants also call on other countries to proactively take part in the Belt and Road Initiative to benefit from China’s high-quality development. We will jointly promote global poverty alleviation and create a community with a shared future for mankind featuring common development and no poverty.
Figure 1 Mr. Anant, the participant from Nepal, is delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the seminar
Figure 2 The online photo shot at the closing ceremony
