Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed that Fiji can gain valuable insights from China’s tailored poverty alleviation strategies to improve community livelihoods. During his visit to the Ningde Poverty Alleviation and Development Exhibition Hall in Ningde City, Fujian Province, he noted that simple survival strategies have played a significant role in China’s rapid development.
Ningde serves as a critical testing ground for the poverty alleviation strategies initiated by China’s President Xi Jinping, which aim to enhance living standards in rural areas. These initiatives were set in motion roughly 30 years ago when Xi was the General Secretary of the Communist Party. As President, he has consistently emphasized the importance of poverty alleviation, striving to uplift the lives of all citizens and eradicate extreme poverty.
At the exhibition hall, Prime Minister Rabuka explored a range of historical displays, including texts, photographs, videos, models, and architectural representations that highlight Ningde’s targeted poverty alleviation efforts over the past three decades, guided by President Xi. He learned that Ningde’s success story in poverty eradication exemplifies China’s broader efforts in this area.
Rabuka praised the resilience and determination of Ningde’s people, which has led to significant achievements. He stated, “Fiji is dedicated to tackling poverty through various initiatives by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, including poverty benefits, social pension schemes, care and protection programs, and food vouchers.”
He also mentioned efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector in Fiji, encouraging citizens to make use of available land for the purposes of food security and improved livelihoods. Agriculture plays a vital role in Fiji’s strategy for eradicating poverty by providing sustainable livelihoods, ensuring food security, creating employment, and fostering economic growth.