CPPCC Chairman on China's Poverty Relief WorkLi Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told a group of foreign guests that eradicating poverty remains a tough task for China.Li made the remarks in his meeting with delegates who are to attend an international symposium entitled "Glory Project Marching Into The New Century". The symposium officially opens Friday and runs until Sunday. Glory Project is a poverty-relief charitable project sponsored by China's private enterprises. Li said that poverty is a problem among countries worldwide. "China has vast territories, large population, and a backward economy," he said, adding that living conditions are harsh in some hilly, mountainous, remote and drought areas. Eliminating poverty is a word-wide concern. "The Chinese government places great importance on tackling the problem. Particular after the reform and opening-up drive, China adopted a series of effective measures," he said, adding that remarkable results have been achieved. Chinese people from all walks of life are taking part in poverty relief work, he said. A number of poverty-relief projects, including Glory Project, have emerged in China. "Despite these efforts, poverty relief in China still faces many difficulties and problems. We urged all friends present to offer opinions and suggestions," he said. Li described the poverty-relief work as "glorious, great and lofty". He cited two Chinese idioms to elaborate his points. One is "adding flowers to the brocade -- or making what is good still better," and the other is "sending charcoal in snowy weather--or giving help for those in need." "The latter is more important and valuable," he commented. The Symposium will focus on eliminating poverty with the combined efforts of the government, private enterprises and non-governmental organizations. Officials, scholars and experts from China Glory Project Promotion Council and several United Nations organizations will attend the Symposium. Wang Guangying, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Wang Zhaoguo and Jing Shuping, two vice-chairmen of CPPCC National Committee, were among those present at the meeting. |
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