China launches online database of poverty-reduction cases

2017-05-26
cgtn.com

Chinese authorities launched an online database on May 26 showcasing poverty reduction cases and highlighting the country’s experience in poverty alleviation programs at home and abroad.

The Global Poverty Reduction Online Knowledge Sharing Database, which was unveiled at the 2017 China Poverty Reduction International Forum held in Beijing, gives the public free access to a wealth of information regarding China’s practices and experiences in tackling poverty, and introduces relevant principles and cases related to the topic.

The Beijing forum is co-sponsored by the China internet Information Center (CIIC), the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The forum this year focuses on developing and sharing poverty reduction programs to help the fight against poverty.

The Chinese government defines poverty as having an annual net income per capita of 2,300 yuan (about $334) or under — less than $1 per day.

A total of 55.64 million Chinese rural residents were lifted out of poverty from 2013 to 2016, and at least another 10 million will shake off poverty this year, meaning the number of rural Chinese lifted out of poverty in five years will exceed 65 million — roughly the population of a major European country such as Britain, France or Italy.

China is aiming to eliminate poverty by 2020, according to its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).