A tourist picks cherries at Fengle Township of Feixi County, east China's Anhui Province, on May 3. Local authority of Fengle Township has made efforts in recent years to promote rural tourism by developing planting industries of cherry and kiwi fruits to help villagers shake off poverty (XINHUA)
The outbreak of COVID-19 had an unprecedented impact on China's economic and social development in the first quarter of this year. With 2020 as the final year in China's fight against poverty, the country is taking decisive action to allay concern. While the epidemic may complicate this task, the country is nonetheless focused on reaching the goal of alleviating poverty on time.
China has established a system of poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in November 2012. This system has made remarkable achievements in recent years. Over 10 million people have escaped poverty every year for seven consecutive years. The poverty incidence has dropped from 10.2 percent to 0.6 percent during the seven years, and the per capita net income of registered poor households nationwide increased from 3,416 yuan ($481) in 2015 to 9,808 yuan ($1,381) in 2019.
But the poverty alleviation task remains hard to tackle. The epidemic has made it difficult for many migrant workers to find jobs, transportation of agricultural products have been slowed down, rural tourism in some areas has been impacted, and some poverty alleviation projects have been suspended. These factors are ringing alarm bells and serve as a reminder that determination and collaboration will be necessary to conquer this final hurdle.
Industry revitalization is the fundamental solution for the battle against poverty. To counter the impact of COVID-19, local governments need to develop and strengthen their featured industries on the basis of innovating poverty alleviation models, and promote a sustainable development of poverty alleviation projects.
Employment is the primary route out of poverty. Governments at all levels should seize the opportunities offered by the resumption of work and production and help the unemployed find jobs. More public welfare positions can be provided for local employees, ensuring a stable income for them.
(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People.com on May 3)
(Print Edition Title: A Must-Win Battle)
