Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized that Fiji can gain valuable insights from China’s tailored innovative strategies for poverty alleviation to enhance community livelihoods. During his visit to the Ningde Poverty Alleviation and Development Exhibition Hall in Fujian Province, he highlighted that basic survival strategies have played a crucial role in China’s rapid development and economic growth.
Ningde serves as an essential testing ground for the poverty alleviation initiatives spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, which have significantly improved living standards in rural areas. President Xi introduced these initiatives when he was the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party nearly three decades ago, and they have since become a fundamental aspect of his leadership, focusing on lifting all Chinese citizens out of extreme poverty.
Prime Minister Rabuka examined various historical displays at the exhibition hall, including texts, photos, videos, models, and architecture that showcased the targeted poverty alleviation efforts made by the people of Ningde over the last thirty years under President Xi’s guidance. He learned that Ningde’s success story is a representation of China’s broader poverty alleviation achievements.
Rabuka praised the resilience and determination of the people of Ningde, noting that their efforts have yielded significant results. He stated, “Fiji is dedicated to combating poverty through specific initiatives under the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, which include poverty benefits, social pension schemes, care and protection programs, and food voucher distributions.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the government is strengthening the agricultural sector to encourage Fijians to utilize available land for enhancing food security and improving livelihoods. The agriculture sector remains a vital component of Fiji’s strategy for eradicating poverty, as it provides sustainable livelihoods, ensures food security, generates employment, and offers opportunities for economic growth.