ASEAN-China forum kicks off in Cambodia on poverty reduction

2017-07-25
Xinhua

SIEM REAP, Cambodia — The 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction was held here on July 25 to share successful experiences and best practices on poverty reduction.

Co-hosted by China’s State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP) and Cambodia’s Ministry of Rural Development, the forum brought together over 120 government officials, experts, scholars, China-invested companies’ representatives, NGO representatives and international organizations’ officers from China and ASEAN countries.

The forum, entitled “China and ASEAN: Innovation and Practice on Poverty Reduction,” discussed such issues as China and ASEAN countries’ innovation and best practice on ideas and policies for poverty reduction, how to push forward cooperation on reducing poverty between China and ASEAN, and how China and ASEAN countries can achieve the goal set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the two-day forum, Hong Tianyun, vice minister of China’s State Council LGOP, said poverty reduction was a common goal for human development and a common challenge for China and ASEAN countries as well.

“Being the world’s largest developing country, China has always been an active advocate and powerful enabler of the world’s poverty reduction cause,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hong shared the Chinese formula in its achieving large-scale poverty reduction along with rapid economic growth.

He said firstly the prerequisite of China’s successful practice is upholding reform and opening-up so as to maintain a continuous growth of economy.

Secondly, the guarantee is giving full play to the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s leadership and socialism with Chinese characteristics. Thirdly, governments provide guidance which combines long-term poverty reduction planning with annual poverty reduction objectives.

Fourthly, the strategy of targeted poverty alleviation and reduction should be adjusted and implemented according to different conditions to maintain its effects, and fifthly, the emphasis is given to the market to mobilize social involvement and synergy.

Hong said that in the future cause of poverty reduction, China will continue to carry out this formula and intensify its efforts in this regard so that more poverty-stricken regions and population can benefit from the country’s development. Meanwhile, China will continue to work with the international community and contribute to the cause of global poverty reduction.

Hong stressed that China and ASEAN are linked by rivers and mountains and bound by peoples and cultures as well, adding that this year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the 26th anniversary of establishing dialogue relationship between China and ASEAN, a milestone in the development of ASEAN.

Cambodian Rural Development Minister Ouk Rabun said the forum was vital for the participants to discuss and exchange views on their efforts in reducing poverty in ASEAN member countries.

“Through the 11th ASEAN-China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction, I believe that we will gain good qualifications, best practices, and new experiences from each other among ASEAN member countries and from China,” he said during his opening speech.

He said with full peace, solid political stability and good security, Cambodia has achieved the average growth of 7 percent per annum and reduced poverty by more than 1 percent per year in the last two decades.

According to Cambodian government figures, poverty rate declined to 11.5 percent in 2015 from 53.2 percent in 2004 for those who live with an average income of less than $1.2 per day.

During the forum, attendees will join in the discussions concerning China-ASEAN cooperation: innovation and practice on poverty reduction, implementation approaches for China-ASEAN cooperation on poverty reduction, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and prospect for China-ASEAN cooperation.

The attendees will also pay a field visit to Run Ta Ek Eco Village on July 27.