CHINA’S Fujian Province, which is renowned for its remarkable development progress into a model for reform and development over the past 70 years, is eager to share its experiences and strategies on poverty-alleviation with Western Province.
Fujian has made great strides in poverty alleviation. As of the end of 2019, the province had lifted 1.1 million people from 2,201 villages out of poverty and delisted 23 poor counties from the poverty list.
It has made steady progress in providing better access to childcare, education, medical services, elderly care, housing and social assistance over the past five years, in turn significantly improving the living standards of its citizens.
Fujian established sister relations with the Western Province this year.
In an exclusive interview with the Solomon Star last Friday, Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs for the Fujian Provincial People’s Government, Chen Guoquan, who led a delegation to Gizo recently, emphasised the importance of sharing Fujian’s rematkable journey in addressing and overcoming poverty.
“Fujian Province wants to share the challenges we encountered and the solutions we developed to overcome poverty. We believe our experiences can provide valuable insights and practical approaches for other regions facing similar challenges,” Mr Chen said.
“Fujian’s success in poverty alleviation is rooted in its commitment to reforms that promote economic growth and social development. By combining modern innovation with community-driven efforts, the province has created sustainable pathways for improving livelihoods,’ he said.
“As a sister province to the Western Province, Fujian aims to strengthen ties through knowledge exchange, cultural collaboration and economic cooperation. These initiatives are designed to create long-term benefits for both regions while addressing the shared goal of poverty eradication,” Mr Chen added.
Mr Chen underscored the broader significance of these partnerships.
“Through collaboration, we can achieve shared prosperity and ensure that no one is left behind. Fujian’s experiences demonstrate how unity and strategic planning can lead to transformative outcomes,” he said.
The China Team-Fujian team took a one-day trip to Gizo and paid a courtesy call on the Western Provincial Government (WPG) and paid a one-hour visit to Mile 6 cattle farm, poultry project and return back to Honiara.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
