Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that Fiji can gain valuable insights from China’s customized poverty alleviation strategies aimed at improving community livelihoods. During his visit to the Ningde Poverty Alleviation and Development Exhibition Hall in Fujian Province, Rabuka highlighted how basic survival strategies contributed to China’s significant development and growth.
Ningde serves as a major testing ground for China’s poverty alleviation programs, initiated by President Xi Jinping nearly 30 years ago when he was General Secretary of the Communist Party. As President, Xi has prioritized poverty alleviation as a key aspect of his leadership, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for all citizens and lifting them out of extreme poverty.
Rabuka took in various displays at the exhibition, which featured texts, photos, videos, models, and architectural designs showcasing the targeted poverty alleviation efforts implemented in Ningde over the past three decades under Xi’s guidance. He was informed that the story of Ningde’s success in eradicating poverty reflects the broader achievements of China’s poverty alleviation initiatives.
The Prime Minister praised the community’s resilience and dedication, which have led to tangible results. He emphasized that Fiji is focused on tackling poverty through various initiatives managed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection. These include poverty relief benefits, social pensions, care and protection programs, and food voucher schemes.
Additionally, Fiji is working to bolster its agricultural sector, encouraging citizens to utilize available land to enhance food security and improve their livelihoods. Agriculture plays a crucial role in Fiji’s poverty alleviation efforts by offering sustainable livelihoods, food security, job opportunities, and the potential for economic growth.