Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), made a keynote speech at the International Seminar on Poverty Eradication and Responsibility of Political Parties, which kicked off in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China’s Fujian province, on October 12, 2020. (Photo courtesy of IDCPC)

The International Seminar on Poverty Eradication and Responsibility of Political Parties opened in southeast China’s Fujian Province on October 13, 2020.

Around 400 representatives of political parties from over 100 countries and diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations, media correspondents from developing countries based in China, as well as think tank experts attended in person or remotely.

The two-day seminar, consisting of discussions and visits in Fuzhou and Ningde city of Fujian province, aimed to introduce the poverty alleviation experience and insights of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to the world and pool global wisdom on poverty reduction practice worldwide, as well as serving as a platform to promote international communication and cooperation of political parties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a congratulatory message to the seminar called on the international community, including political parties in all countries, to work together to accelerate the process of global poverty reduction, as difficulties and challenges in this regard are still severe.

It was of special significance that the international seminar was being held just days before the 28th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty recognized by the United Nations as well as China's 7th National Poverty Relief Day on October 17, said Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

He noted that the CPC had put poverty eradication in a prominent place on its agenda and was making arduous efforts in this regard.

According to the World Bank, more than 850 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty, contributing over 70% to global poverty reduction.

“Despite the COVID-19 impact, we remain confident that we will, as planned, lift the entire poor rural population above the current poverty line and achieve the poverty eradication target set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule,” Song stressed.

State leaders from other countries including Laos, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Argentina, and the Central African Republic also sent congratulatory messages either in writing or via videos to the seminar.

They spoke highly of China’s achievements in poverty alleviation under CPC leadership and stressed that political parties of all countries should play a leading role.

Bounnhang Vorachith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, said the Chinese people under the strong leadership of the CPC had made huge achievements in poverty alleviation.

He said poverty eradication, prosperity, and a better life for all was what the political parties of all countries strive for, and also their due obligations and responsibilities, adding that world political parties should have closer coordination and cooperation.

In the message of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, he said that China has always making contributions to poverty reduction and development in Africa, especially in Zimbabwe.

“We thank the Chinese government for investing in several developmental projects. China’s trade and investments have boosted Africa's economic development, improved the economic situation to a large extent, and reduced poverty.”

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez believed the seminar would generate a positive synergy. He shared Argentina’s practice of guaranteeing food security and people’s livelihood in order to cope with the economic setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth as framed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Participants conducted lively discussions and exchanges on poverty reduction around the world and human sustainable development.

The event was jointly hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee.

Foreign attendees of the International Seminar on Poverty Eradication and Responsibility of Political Parties, which kicked off in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, on October 12, 2020 visit the civil service center of the city on the same day (Photo courtesy of IDCPC) 

Foreign attendees experience ink painting of paper umbrellas native to Jiangxi Province, east China when participating in the governance experience exchange event of global political parties with the Communist Party of China in Nanchang, Jiangxi on November 27, 2019 (Photo courtesy of IDCPC) 

Foreign attendees at the exhibition stall of traditional crafts of Henan Province, central China during the event on Henan’s achievements in practicing Xi Jinping though on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era rural revitalisation (Photo courtesy of IDCPC)