China, S Asian nations share experience in reducing poverty

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BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua): China kicked off a two-week seminar here yesterday providing a platform for officials and experts from the country and south Asian nations to share respective experience in poverty reduction.

About 20 officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are taking part in the seminar which provides courses on China's basic situation and development, and its experience and achievements in reducing poverty since the implementation of reform and opening-up policy three decades ago.

Chinese officials and experts will also exchange views on such topics as international cooperation in reducing poverty and development, and rural development and poverty reduction in south Asian countries.

The officials will also travel to the central Hubei Province to visit local poverty reduction programmes.

Wu Zhong, head of the international cooperation and poverty reduction department of the State Council's Leading Group Office on Poverty Alleviation and Development, addressed the seminar opening ceremony. Wu said the seminar would provide a chance for attendees to have a better understanding of China's efforts and experience in reducing poverty.